In a disturbing turn of events, a recent Instagram post by Eisha Roy has gained significant traction on social media, shedding light on a horrifying incident of alleged sexual assault during a scuba diving expedition at Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The post has gone viral, prompting a nationwide conversation on women’s safety in adventure tourism.
Eisha’s detailed account revealed distressing encounters with her scuba instructor, identified as Raja with the username @diverraja, issuing a trigger warning for sexual assault. The alleged incidents include deliberate interference with her breathing apparatus, compromising her air supply, and multiple instances of groping, all during what should have been a safe and enjoyable adventure.
What’s even more alarming is the silence and inaction from the authorities, despite the allegations gaining widespread attention on social media platforms. The lack of response from the relevant authorities has only served to exacerbate the growing concerns about the safety of tourists, particularly women, engaging in water-based activities.
The alleged scuba instructor, Raja, continues to work without any apparent fear of repercussions, further deepening the sense of apprehension and lack of accountability. The alarming fact that a person accused of such heinous acts remains active in the field underscores the urgent need for immediate action and reforms within the tourism sector.
As the post continues to spread across social media, users are expressing their outrage and demanding justice for Eisha and, by extension, for all tourists who should be able to explore the beautiful islands of Andaman and Nicobar without fearing for their safety. Advocates and concerned citizens are urging authorities to break their silence, thoroughly investigate the allegations, and take appropriate measures to ensure such incidents never occur again.
The Andaman assault scandal has become a rallying point, igniting a viral movement for women’s safety in adventure tourism. It stands as a stark reminder of the pressing need to enact substantial changes to guarantee a secure and welcoming environment for all visitors to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as public pressure mounts for action and justice in this critical matter.
Read the Instagram post:
trigger warning: sexual assault!
On September 15th, I went for a scuba diving excursion at Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I experienced distressing encounters with my scuba instructor, Raja (username: @diverraja). Raja deliberately interfered with my breathing apparatus, causing me to lose access to oxygen momentarily. Despite attempts to signal distress, Raja continued his reckless behavior. Approximately 3-4 minutes into our dive, as I endeavored to adjust my position in the water, Raja forcibly redirected my hand to my chest and proceeded to engage in inappropriate physical contact by groping my breasts. This reprehensible behavior recurred on multiple occasions throughout the dive, with at least 7 such incidents that I can distinctly recall. My neurodivergence exacerbated the emotional and psychological trauma. After the dive, it took me a few days to process what had happened. Upon discussion with a few friends who have done scuba diving in the past, I realized that Raja’s actions amounted to sexual harassment and a deliberate attempt to compromise on my air supply. However, the other instructor, Anand, conducted himself with professionalism, kindness, and respect.
Imagine being submerged deep within a body of water, utterly reliant on an individual for your safety, only to have that reliance violated repeatedly and in the most egregious and dangerous manner.
The sexual offender, Raja’s employers spoke to him at some point earlier today or last evening. To his employers, he refuted the accusations.
Am I surprised? Nope.
Nevertheless, at this juncture, I am uncertain about the course of action I wish to pursue, but I am adamant about the need for immediate steps to address this matter.
In the future, no one should have to endure molestation by a diving
instructor.
