Pilot Assaults Passenger at IGI Airport: Investigation Underway

Incident at IGI Airport

Three days after an Air India Express pilot allegedly assaulted a passenger at Terminal 1 of IGI Airport, the Delhi police have received complaints from both parties involved. On Monday, based on the complaint from passenger Ankit Diwan, the police registered a case under sections 115 (intentional injury), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

Details of the Complaint

The complaint was filed by Ankit Diwan, who claimed that an off-duty pilot attacked him at the airport on Friday. Diwan also shared a video of the incident on social media. He stated that the altercation began when he expressed concern about some staff members cutting the security checkpoint line. Following this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered an investigation into the matter. Air India Express has suspended the pilot involved.

Airline's Statement

In an earlier statement, the airline clarified that the pilot was off-duty and traveling as a passenger at the time of the incident. The airline emphasized that the situation was entirely a personal matter between two passengers and had no connection to the pilot's professional role or the airline itself. They announced plans for an internal investigation to examine all aspects of the incident next week.

Allegations of Racial Remarks

Captain Sejwal has accused Ankit Diwan of making caste-based comments during their argument and threatening female members of his family, including a child. According to Sejwal's statement, Diwan began using abusive language without provocation and continued even after being asked to stop.

Escalation of the Conflict

The confrontation reportedly escalated into a physical altercation.