Delhi Police has taken a significant step in a case involving alleged misconduct by an airline crew member, arresting an Air India Express pilot accused of physically assaulting a passenger. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding passenger safety and crew behavior.
Pilot Taken Into Custody After Questioning
The arrested individual has been identified as Captain Virendra Sejwal. According to official sources, the pilot had previously voluntarily joined the police probe and was questioned in detail by the investigating officer handling the case. Following this questioning process, the decision was made to place him under arrest.
The arrest was carried out by the Delhi Police on 30 December 2025. While specific details about the location and circumstances of the alleged assault have not been fully disclosed in initial reports, the police action indicates the seriousness with which the complaint is being treated.
Sequence of Events and Investigation
The case unfolded after a passenger lodged a formal complaint accusing Captain Sejwal of hitting him. The Delhi Police registered the complaint and initiated an investigation. As part of standard procedure, the accused pilot was called in for questioning.
Captain Virendra Sejwal cooperated with the authorities initially by presenting himself for the probe. After recording his statement and evaluating the evidence collected, which presumably included the complainant's account and any available witness statements or footage, the investigating officer found sufficient grounds to make an arrest.
Implications and Airline's Stance
This arrest sends a strong message about accountability for airline staff. Incidents of alleged aggression by crew members towards passengers are taken extremely seriously by both law enforcement and aviation regulators. Such events can severely damage an airline's reputation and erode passenger trust.
Air India Express, a budget carrier owned by the Tata Group, is now faced with managing the fallout from this incident. The airline has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the alleged actions of its pilot. Standard protocol in such situations typically involves suspending the employee pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
The aviation industry in India operates under strict guidelines from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which mandates professional conduct from all personnel. Any verified breach of these conduct rules can lead to severe penalties, including the suspension or cancellation of a pilot's license.
The case is now expected to proceed through the judicial system, where the allegations against Captain Virendra Sejwal will be examined in detail. The Delhi Police will likely continue its investigation to gather further evidence before filing a chargesheet in court.
