A case has been registered by Delhi Police following a physical altercation between an Air India Express pilot and a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport's Terminal 1. The incident, which occurred three days ago, has led to cross complaints from both individuals involved.
Details of the Airport Altercation
The dispute took place on December 19. The passenger, Ankit Dewan, was with his family, including his wife, daughter, and a four-month-old infant in a stroller. They were directed to use a security checkpoint designated for staff due to the stroller. Dewan alleged that staff members, including the pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, were cutting the queue.
Dewan claimed that when he called out this behavior, Captain Sejwal asked him if he was "anpadh" (uneducated) and could not read the sign stating the entrance was for staff. The argument escalated into a physical assault, with Dewan posting on social media platform X that the blood visible in a photograph on his shirt was his own. The family was scheduled to board a SpiceJet flight.
Legal Action and Conflicting Narratives
On Monday, Delhi Police registered a case based on Dewan's complaint. The FIR was filed under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Dewan confirmed he emailed his formal complaint, which aligned with his social media post.
However, the pilot's side presented a different account. Captain Sejwal, who was traveling as a passenger on an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru to join duty, filed his complaint on Sunday. His advocate stated that Dewan initiated the confrontation by verbally abusing Sejwal without provocation and continued using threatening language despite being asked to stop.
The advocate claimed the situation turned physical, resulting in injuries to Sejwal as well, and that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel had to intervene repeatedly to ask Dewan to calm down. A senior police officer confirmed that the pilot's complaint is also under investigation.
Aftermath and Inquiry
Following the incident, Air India Express grounded Captain Virender Sejwal pending an internal inquiry. The airline has not yet released an official statement on the final outcome of their investigation.
The case highlights tensions that can arise during airport security procedures and the serious consequences of such altercations, impacting both the careers of aviation professionals and the travel experience of passengers.
