Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 20: A SpiceJet passenger has alleged that he was physically assaulted by an off-duty Air India Express pilot at Delhi airport’s Terminal-1 following a dispute over alleged queue-jumping at a security checkpoint, triggering swift action by the airline and drawing the attention of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The complainant, Ankit Dewan, said he was travelling on Friday with his family, including a four-month-old infant in a stroller. According to Dewan, airport staff directed them to use the staff and PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) security lane. He claimed that several individuals began cutting the queue ahead of him, and when he objected, an off-duty Air India Express pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, verbally abused and later assaulted him.
“In objecting to the queue-jumping, the pilot questioned my literacy and hurled abuses. The argument soon escalated into a physical assault,” Dewan alleged in a post on X, stating that he was left bleeding after the incident.
Dewan further claimed that his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the episode, was traumatised, and that the incident ruined his family holiday. He shared photographs on social media showing blood on his face and clothes. He also alleged that he was compelled to write a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further, claiming he was told he would miss his flight and lose holiday bookings worth nearly Rs 1.2 lakh if he refused.
Tagging the Delhi Police on X, Dewan questioned why he was allegedly prevented from filing a complaint after returning from his trip and raised concerns about the preservation of CCTV footage at the airport.
Police say no formal complaint received
Delhi Police on Saturday clarified that no formal complaint has been received so far in connection with the alleged assault.
“With reference to a social media post on platform X by Ankit Dewan alleging physical assault by an Air India Express pilot at Terminal-1, it is clarified that no such matter has been reported to the police station either by the complainant or by the airline,” police said in a statement.
Police added that they became aware of the alleged incident only after it surfaced on social media, and that appropriate legal action would be initiated once a written complaint is submitted. Further action, officials said, would depend on the complaint and examination of available evidence, including CCTV footage.
Sources said the off-duty pilot later boarded an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru following the incident.
Pilot taken off duty, probe ordered
Air India Express confirmed it was aware of the incident involving one of its employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time.
“We profoundly regret this incident at Delhi Airport and strongly condemn such behaviour. The concerned employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending a thorough internal investigation,” the airline said, adding that appropriate disciplinary action would be initiated based on the findings.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it has taken “serious cognisance” of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot immediately. A formal inquiry has been ordered, and reports have been sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF, the ministry added.