FIR Filed Against Air India Express Pilot for Assaulting Passenger

New Delhi:
Delhi Police have registered a case against an Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at Terminal 1 security area. The incident allegedly occurred when the passenger objected to queue-cutting by some airport staff. The pilot is reported to have verbally abused and physically attacked the passenger, leaving him injured.

According to police sources, the complaint was lodged via email by the victim, Ankit Diwan, following which an FIR was registered under Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 of the Indian Penal Code (assault). Initially, Delhi Police had no formal complaint and only became aware of the incident after social media posts surfaced.

Victim’s Account

Diwan alleged that Captain Virendra Sejwal, who was not on duty at the time, attacked him near the security area at Terminal 1. The scuffle reportedly left Diwan injured, and his seven-year-old daughter, who was present, in shock. The confrontation reportedly began when Diwan raised objections over staff allegedly cutting the queue. He claimed that the pilot verbally abused him before launching the attack. Diwan shared images of the incident on social media the same evening.

Response from Air India Express and Police

Air India Express stated that it was aware of the incident involving one of its employees traveling as a passenger on another airline. The pilot has been suspended from official duties pending an internal investigation. Delhi Police confirmed that the case will be investigated based on the complaint, available CCTV footage, and other evidence.

This incident has drawn widespread attention and raised concerns regarding passenger safety and conduct of airline personnel.