SINGAPORE: A 73-year-old Indian national has been charged in a Singapore court for allegedly molesting four women during a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from the United States to Singapore. The accused, Balasubramanian Ramesh, faces allegations of molesting one woman on four separate occasions and targeting three others once each during the flight on November 18.

He was presented with seven charges of molestation in a district court on Monday, as reported by The Straits Times.

Court documents have not clarified whether the alleged victims were passengers or crew members, and their identities remain protected under a gag order.

The incidents reportedly occurred at different times during the flight. Balasubramanian is accused of molesting the first victim at around 3:15 am, followed by the second victim approximately five minutes later. He allegedly targeted the second victim three additional times between 3:30 am and 6 am. The third and fourth alleged incidents occurred at 9:30 am and 5:30 pm, respectively.

Balasubramanian is scheduled to enter a plea on December 13, according to the report.

Under Singapore law, each count of molestation carries a penalty of up to three years in jail, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments. However, due to his age, Balasubramanian is exempt from caning, as it is not permitted for individuals over 50.