Air India Express Pilot Arrested Over Alleged Assault at IGI Airport, Released on Bail

An off-duty pilot employed with Air India Express has been arrested in connection with an alleged physical assault on a passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The pilot was later released on bail as the charges invoked in the case are bailable, officials confirmed.

The incident, which reportedly took place earlier this month at Terminal 1 of IGI Airport, has prompted a police investigation as well as an internal inquiry by the airline.

What the Police Say

According to Delhi Police, the accused, Captain Virendra Sejwal, was taken into custody after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered based on a complaint filed by Ankit Dewan, a passenger who claimed to have been assaulted during an altercation near the security checkpoint.

Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and multiple CCTV cameras installed around Terminal 1 are being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events. Statements from the complainant, witnesses present at the airport, and airline personnel have already been recorded.

A senior police officer said the pilot appeared before investigators after being summoned and cooperated with the inquiry. His responses are currently being verified against available evidence, including video footage and medical reports.

Authorities added that further legal action would depend on the outcome of the evidence review and whether the accused’s explanations align with the findings.

Details of the Alleged Incident

As per the complaint, the altercation allegedly occurred on December 19 when the passenger confronted airline staff over an issue related to queue-jumping at the security area. The pilot, who was reportedly travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time, allegedly intervened in the argument.

The complainant has alleged that the situation escalated into verbal abuse followed by physical assault. He also claimed that his minor daughter, who was accompanying him, witnessed the incident and was left traumatised.

Medical examination reports submitted to the police reportedly confirmed that the complainant suffered a displaced fracture of the nasal bone, strengthening the basis for registering the case.

The FIR has been lodged under sections related to voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Airline’s Response

Air India Express issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the incident. The airline clarified that the pilot was not on duty and was travelling on a different carrier at the time of the alleged altercation.

However, it added that the matter is being taken seriously. As a precautionary measure, the pilot has been removed from official flying duties pending the outcome of an internal disciplinary inquiry.

The airline stated that it would extend full cooperation to investigating authorities and would take appropriate action based on the findings of both the police probe and its internal review.

Investigation Continues

Delhi Police officials reiterated that the investigation is being conducted strictly on the basis of facts and evidence, without prejudice. More witness statements are expected to be recorded in the coming days, and forensic analysis of CCTV footage is underway.

Authorities have maintained that any further steps in the case will be guided by the conclusions drawn from the investigation, ensuring due process for all parties involved.