A major controversy has erupted at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after a passenger accused an off-duty Air India Express pilot of physical assault. The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 20, 2025, has prompted swift action from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the airline, owned by the Tata Group.
Altercation at Security Check Leads to Violence
The complainant, Ankit Dewan, took to social media platform X to describe a harrowing ordeal involving his family, which included his wife, a seven-year-old daughter, and a four-month-old infant. According to Dewan, his family was directed to use a security checkpoint designated for airline staff and persons with reduced mobility (PRM) at Terminal 1, as they were travelling with a baby in a stroller.
The situation escalated when Dewan objected to airline staff, including the identified pilot, Virender Sejwal, cutting the queue. Dewan alleges that Sejwal, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline and not on official duty, verbally abused him, asking if he was "anpadh" (illiterate) for not reading signs. This verbal spat quickly turned physical.
"Not able to exercise restraint, the AIX (Air India Express) pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody," Dewan posted, sharing graphic images of his bloodied face and of Sejwal with bloodstains on his shirt, which Dewan claimed was his blood.
Trauma, Delayed Aid, and Allegations of Coercion
Dewan's account paints a disturbing picture of the aftermath. He posted a video showing Sejwal pacing nearby as Dewan and his wife comforted their traumatized daughter, with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel present. He claimed he waited 45 minutes for first aid and alleged that CISF personnel did not intervene despite Sejwal allegedly threatening, "main isko maar ke aata hu" (I'll come back after beating him up).
Further complicating matters, Dewan alleged he was pressured to sign a letter stating he would not pursue the matter, with the alternative being to miss his flight and forfeit Rs 1.2 lakh spent on holiday bookings. He also accused Sejwal of initially misrepresenting himself as a pilot with government-owned Alliance Air to avoid involving his actual employer, Air India Express.
Swift Official Response and Investigations Launched
The Ministry of Civil Aviation reacted strongly on Saturday, directing the airline to ground the pilot immediately and ordering a formal enquiry. It has also sought detailed reports from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF.
Air India Express swiftly condemned the behavior and removed Sejwal from official duties pending investigation. In a statement, the airline expressed "profound regret" and "heartfelt empathy" for the distress caused, assuring full cooperation with law enforcement for a fair process.
Delhi Police stated that while no formal complaint had been filed at the police station as of Saturday, appropriate legal action would be taken once a written complaint is received from the victim. Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) also responded on X, expressing deep concern and stating the issue was being escalated to authorities for review.
The incident raises serious questions about conduct, airport security management, and passenger safety protocols, with investigations now underway to determine the full sequence of events and accountability.
