Cruise Ship Hairstylist Accused of Sexual Assault

A hairstylist aboard a cruise ship is facing federal charges related to alleged sexual assaults against women in a small, windowless barbershop, as indicated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Pranit Pawar, a 26-year-old from India, was working on the Virgin Voyages ship, Brilliant Lady, during an Alaskan cruise. He reportedly lured unsuspecting passengers from the main salon to a dimly lit, secluded barbershop and executed a troubling scheme, according to a federal complaint made public recently.

Pawar is said to have confessed to inviting four or five women to his barbershop for “massages.” The detailed document outlines two of the assaults that occurred on June 26, involving victims referred to as “V1” and “V2.”

During V1’s visit, Pawar allegedly suggested a massage and directed her to the adjoining barbershop. Once inside, he purportedly placed his hand under her shirt and groped her for about ten minutes, as stated by investigators.

Later that day, he targeted another passenger, V2, who had been promised a “free massage” after a hair appointment, according to the complaint.

Under the guise of focusing on her “underarm pressure points,” Pawar reportedly slipped his hand under the woman’s bra. When V2 asked him to stop, she quickly exited the room.

Oddly enough, the following day, he approached the victim’s daughter, inquiring about her relationship status.

Investigators noted that Pawar locked the door during at least one of the incidents on June 26. He was apprehended by the FBI upon the ship’s return to Seattle.

The hairstylist later revealed that the massage was intended for “therapeutic reasons,” but ultimately admitted to the inappropriate touching, expressing regret over his actions.

Pawar is facing two counts of abusive sexual contact on a cruise ship, which could result in a maximum of two years in prison. Given that the offenses occurred in a context that falls under special maritime jurisdiction, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.

Virgin Voyages issued a statement describing the allegations as a “serious breach of the trust and standards” expected from its crew members, although they did not provide further comments at this time.