Delhi Airport Assault: Off-Duty Air India Express Pilot Suspended
Delhi Airport Assault: Off-Duty Air India Express Pilot Suspended
A passenger alleges an off-duty Air India Express pilot assaulted him at Delhi's IGI Airport; case filed and airline probe underway as video sparks outrage.
An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Virender Sejwal, is facing a police case after a passenger, Ankit Dewan, alleged he was assaulted at Delhi's IGI Airport, near Terminal 1, during a security check. The incident, captured on video and shared online, prompted swift action from the airline and authorities.
Air India Express has issued a showcause notice to the pilot and suspended him from official duties as the incident is reviewed. The aviation ministry ordered an inquiry into the matter. The Delhi Police registered a case under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal assault) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, at the IGI Airport police station after Dewan filed a complaint alleging the assault occurred on December 19 while he was travelling with his family.
Dewan said a CT scan confirmed a displaced fracture of the left nasal bone. He has submitted a written complaint to the Delhi Police and is seeking justice. The incident sparked public outrage after the video circulated on social media, with many calling for accountability.
Air India Express stated it regrets the incident and condemned the pilot's alleged behavior, noting that the pilot was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time. The airline has removed the pilot from official duties pending an internal investigation. Police will review CCTV footage and gather statements as investigations continue, while the aviation regulator's inquiry could shape any disciplinary action for the carrier.
