Writer Neelesh Misra Accuses IndiGo of Mistreating His Daughter During Solo Flight
Renowned writer Neelesh Misra has sparked a major controversy by accusing IndiGo airlines of mistreating his ten-year-old daughter. The incident occurred during a solo flight from Lucknow to Goa. Misra took to social media platform X to share his distressing experience.
Allegations of Rude Behavior Towards Child Passenger
According to Misra's detailed post, an IndiGo cabin crew member behaved inappropriately towards his daughter Vaidehi. The writer claims the staffer made dismissive and humiliating remarks directly to the child. He specifically mentioned that the employee referred to his daughter as a "finicky eater" in a derogatory manner.
Misra quoted the alleged exchange where the staffer reportedly told his daughter, "Don't you have eyes? Go, go eat! Go and miss your flight!" The writer expressed deep concern about what he described as the airline's "arrogance" being directed at a young child traveling alone.
The father personally spoke with the staff member but found her attitude remained unchanged. He immediately escalated the matter by tagging the Ministry of Civil Aviation's AirSewa handle on social media.
IndiGo's Initial Response and Investigation
IndiGo quickly acknowledged Misra's complaint on their official X account. The airline assured him they were treating the matter with priority and conducting a thorough review. Their initial statement emphasized careful examination of all details surrounding the incident.
Following an internal investigation, IndiGo released a more comprehensive statement. The airline maintained that their staff followed all protocols for unaccompanied minors. They asserted that the child received proper care and assistance throughout her journey.
The airline explained that as boarding time approached, the child expressed desire to visit nearby food outlets. Despite time constraints, IndiGo claims their team patiently escorted her safely and ensured she boarded the flight without issues.
Misra Remains Unconvinced by Airline's Explanation
Neelesh Misra expressed dissatisfaction with IndiGo's response. He characterized their defense as predictable and insufficient. The writer noted that the airline's detailed account failed to address his specific concerns about staff behavior.
Misra revealed he only learned about the incident because he had provided his daughter with a basic feature phone for emergencies. This allowed her to communicate the distressing experience directly to him.
The writer offered advice to other parents, suggesting caution when allowing children to travel alone with airlines. He emphasized the importance of proper communication devices for young travelers.
Widespread Public Reaction and Discussion
The incident generated significant discussion across social media platforms. Many X users expressed shock and concern about the alleged treatment of the child passenger. Numerous comments described the reported behavior as unacceptable and distressing.
One user wrote about feeling horrified by the incident, noting that airlines typically provide extra care for unaccompanied minors. Another commenter expressed sympathy for the child, suggesting such experiences could be traumatic for young travelers.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about customer service standards in the aviation industry. It raises important questions about how airlines handle vulnerable passengers, particularly children traveling without parents.
Both parties maintain their positions regarding the incident. IndiGo continues to defend their protocols and staff behavior. Neelesh Misra persists in his allegations of mistreatment. The situation remains unresolved as public discussion continues.
