The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has initiated a formal investigation following a shocking incident where an off-duty Air India Express pilot allegedly physically assaulted a passenger at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The altercation, which left the passenger injured and bloody, occurred at Terminal 1 on Friday, December 20, 2025.
The Trigger: Altercation Over Queue at Security Check
The conflict began around 12:07 PM at the security screening area. The passenger, Ankit Dewan, was travelling with his family, including a four-month-old infant, on a SpiceJet flight. According to Dewan's account on social media platform X, airport staff guided his family to use the security lane designated for staff and persons with reduced mobility (PRM) due to the baby stroller.
Dewan alleged that airline staff, including the accused pilot Virender Sejwal, were cutting the queue. A verbal argument ensued when Dewan called them out. Dewan claims Sejwal asked him if he was "anpadh" (illiterate) and could not read signs stating the lane was for staff. The situation rapidly escalated from a war of words to physical violence.
The Assault and Its Aftermath
Sejwal, who was off-duty and travelling as a passenger on an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru, allegedly proceeded to assault Dewan. Photos shared by Dewan show his bloodied face and blood stains on Sejwal's shirt. In a video posted online, Sejwal is seen pacing near Dewan, who is on the floor with his distressed family.
Dewan's ordeal did not end with the assault. He alleged he waited 45 minutes for first aid and claimed that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel present did not prevent the attack, even after Sejwal reportedly told one of them, "main isko maar ke aata hu" (I'll come back after beating him up). Furthermore, Dewan stated he was pressured to sign a letter stating he would not pursue the matter, faced with the choice of doing so or missing his flight and forfeiting Rs 1.2 lakh in holiday bookings.
Official Responses and Actions Taken
The MoCA acted swiftly, stating it had taken "serious cognizance" of the event. The ministry directed Air India Express to ground the pilot immediately and ordered a formal enquiry. Detailed reports have been sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF.
Air India Express, owned by the Tata Group, condemned the behaviour and confirmed Sejwal has been "removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation." The airline promised appropriate disciplinary action based on the inquiry's findings.
The CISF defended its personnel's actions, stating they intervened immediately, separated the individuals, and arranged prompt medical aid. The security agency asserted that Dewan was advised to file a complaint but declined voluntarily, recording his decision in writing. "Any allegation of CISF inaction or delay is therefore unfounded," their statement read.
Delhi Police confirmed that as of Saturday, no formal complaint had been filed at the concerned police station. They stated that appropriate legal action would be taken once a written complaint is received from the victim.
Broader Implications for Aviation Security
This incident raises serious questions about conduct and security protocols at Indian airports. It highlights tensions between passengers and airline staff, even in designated areas. The probe ordered by the MoCA will likely scrutinise not just the individual actions of the pilot but also the response mechanisms of on-ground security and the airline's code of conduct for employees travelling off-duty.
The swift grounding of the pilot indicates a low tolerance for such misconduct, especially from aviation professionals entrusted with passenger safety. The final outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal or disciplinary action will be closely watched by the industry and the travelling public.
