Air India Express Pilot Arrested for Assault at Delhi Airport

An Air India Express pilot has been arrested following allegations of assaulting a passenger at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident, which occurred on December 19, involved Captain Virendra Sejwal, who was off duty at the time. The complainant, Ankit Diwan, reported the attack after objecting to staff members cutting in line at a security checkpoint. Diwan has filed a formal complaint, and an investigation is underway, with the airline suspending the pilot pending further inquiry. This incident raises concerns about passenger safety and conduct at airports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 09:05 IST

Incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport

Delhi police have apprehended an off-duty pilot from Air India Express for allegedly assaulting a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). An official confirmed this information on Tuesday.

Captain Virendra Sejwal participated in the investigation and was questioned by the authorities.

According to a statement, "During the investigation following the filing of the case, relevant CCTV footage was collected, and statements were recorded."

The accused was summoned for questioning and subsequently arrested.

Sejwal faces charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful confinement), and 351 (criminal intimidation) related to an incident that occurred on December 19 near the security checkpoint at Terminal 1.

Details of the Allegation

The case stems from an alleged incident on December 19, where the complainant, Ankit Diwan, claimed that Sejwal attacked him while he was traveling as a passenger and was off duty.

Diwan stated that he filed a written complaint with the Delhi police, and media reports indicate that an FIR has been registered. He mentioned, "I am currently focusing on my health, and a CT scan revealed a displaced fracture in my left nasal bone. I hope to receive justice in this matter."

Ongoing Investigation

On Monday (December 22, 2025), Delhi police announced, "Based on the complaint received via email from Mr. Diwan, a case has been registered under sections 115 (deliberate injury), 126 (wrongful confinement), and 351 of the IPC. The investigation is ongoing."

Diwan alleged that on December 19, Captain Virendra Sejwal physically assaulted him near the security area of Terminal 1, causing him to bleed, and his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the incident, was left traumatized.

According to Diwan, the altercation began when he objected to some staff members cutting the line at the security checkpoint. He claimed that the pilot also verbally abused him before the physical attack.

Air India Express issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the incident involving an employee who was traveling as a passenger with another airline at the time. The airline has suspended the pilot from duty pending an internal investigation.