Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 30: Delhi Police have arrested an off-duty Air India Express pilot in connection with the alleged assault of a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport earlier this month, officials said on Monday.

The accused has been identified as Captain Virendra Sejwal. The arrest followed a detailed police investigation, including the examination of CCTV footage and statements of witnesses related to the incident near the Terminal-1 security checkpoint on December 19.

Police said a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint filed by the passenger.

According to the complainant, Ankit Dewan, the incident took place at the security screening area when he and his family, including young children and an infant, were directed to use a staff or PRM (persons with reduced mobility) security lane. Dewan alleged that airline staff, including the accused pilot, were cutting ahead in the queue, prompting him to object.

The argument allegedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which Dewan claimed he was assaulted and sustained injuries.

However, Captain Sejwal has disputed the passenger’s version of events, claiming that Dewan used abusive and derogatory language, including alleged casteist remarks, which led to the confrontation.

Following the incident, Air India Express condemned the alleged misconduct and immediately removed the pilot from all official duties. The airline said it would take appropriate disciplinary action based on the findings of internal and external inquiries.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had earlier ordered a formal probe into the matter to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

Further investigation in the case is underway.