The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a formal inquiry after an Air India Express pilot physically assaulted a fellow passenger at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 on Friday. The incident, which involved pilot Captain Virender Sejwal and passenger Ankit Dewan, has led to the immediate grounding of the pilot and raised serious questions about security protocols.
The Altercation and Assault
The confrontation occurred at the staff entry gate of Terminal 1. According to sources, Captain Virender Sejwal, who was "dead heading" to Bengaluru as a passenger on an IndiGo flight, attempted to use staff priority to move ahead in the queue. This action allegedly infuriated Ankit Dewan, who was travelling with his family, including a four-month-old infant, on SpiceJet and had been directed to use the same staff security check for convenience with the stroller.
A verbal spat ensued. Dewan claims the pilot asked him if he was "anpadh" (uneducated) for not reading signs stating the entry was for staff. The situation escalated when Captain Sejwal, reportedly provoked by profanities aimed at his ailing mother, physically assaulted Dewan, leaving him bloody. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intervened after the altercation had turned physical.
Immediate Fallout and Official Response
Following the incident, both individuals proceeded to their respective destinations. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation took serious cognisance of the event. On Saturday, via a post on social media platform X, the ministry announced it had directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect and ordered a formal enquiry.
Detailed reports have been sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF to determine why the matter escalated and why intervention was not timely. Air India Express swiftly complied, removing Captain Sejwal from official duties. Consequently, he did not operate the flight he was rostered for from Bengaluru.
Passenger's Trauma and Unanswered Questions
Ankit Dewan, describing himself as a credit card and miles enthusiast, detailed his ordeal on X. He stated his seven-year-old daughter was traumatised after witnessing the assault, and he himself required medical attention. He expressed grave concerns about a pilot's temperament, questioning, "If they can't keep their cool in a scuffle, can they be trusted with the lives of hundreds of people in the sky?"
Dewan also alleged he was forced to write a letter stating he would not pursue the matter further to avoid missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth approximately 1.2 lakh rupees. He questioned the Delhi Police's procedures, asking if he must sacrifice his money to seek justice and whether CCTV footage would be available when he returns to file a complaint. No formal police complaint has been lodged as of now.
Airline's Stance and Pending Investigation
An Air India Express spokesperson condemned the behaviour unequivocally. The spokesperson confirmed the employee involved was travelling as a passenger on another airline and stated, "The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry." The airline reiterated its commitment to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.
The incident has spotlighted the chaos at sensitive security areas when staff and passenger entries are combined. With probes ordered by the ministry and the airline, the focus now is on the findings of the investigation and what disciplinary actions will follow.
