A physical altercation between an off-duty Air India Express pilot and a passenger at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has taken a serious turn, with the pilot alleging he was subjected to casteist abuse and his family was threatened.
Pilot Levels Serious Allegations After Airport Scuffle
The incident occurred last Friday at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport. Captain Virender Sejwal, who was travelling as a passenger and not on duty, got into a confrontation with another traveller, Ankit Dewan. In a statement issued through his lawyer, Sonali Karwasra Joon, on Sunday, Captain Sejwal has accused Dewan of initiating the conflict.
The pilot's legal representative stated that Ankit Dewan began verbally abusing Captain Sejwal without any provocation. Despite being asked to stop, Dewan allegedly continued using abusive, degrading, and threatening language. The situation then escalated into a physical fight, during which the pilot also sustained injuries.
CISF Intervention and Voluntary Resolution
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, responsible for airport security, intervened promptly. According to the pilot's account, the CISF officials repeatedly told Dewan to calm down and cease his abuse, but he refused to relent and continued his misconduct even in their presence.
The matter was resolved at the airport itself. Both parties voluntarily signed a statement confirming they did not wish to pursue any legal action. The pilot's lawyer emphasized that Dewan signed willingly, without any coercion or pressure. This account aligns with a public confirmation made by the CISF on the social media platform 'X', where they stated their officers acted promptly, offered both individuals the chance to file formal complaints, and the offer was voluntarily declined.
The statement from Captain Sejwal's side firmly denied any allegations of force or bias by the CISF, calling them "incorrect and unfounded."
Aftermath and Awaiting Justice
In the wake of the incident, Air India Express has grounded Captain Virender Sejwal pending an internal investigation. The airline has clarified that the event was a purely personal matter between two passengers and was in no way connected to the pilot's professional responsibilities.
The captain has expressed full faith in the authorities, hoping for an impartial examination of all facts without being swayed by the narrative on social media. He believes he will not be denied justice. The case highlights tensions that can erupt in transit hubs and the serious nature of allegations involving caste-based abuse and threats to family members.
