The legal representative of Air India Express pilot Captain Virender Sejwal stated on Sunday that a recent physical confrontation at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has been amicably resolved. The incident, which occurred on December 19, 2025, at Terminal 1, involved a passenger named Ankit Dewan.
Lawyer Claims Misrepresentation on Social Media
In an official statement, Captain Sejwal's lawyer asserted that recent media reports and social media posts have grossly mischaracterized the event. The lawyer described the portrayal as a "one-sided, incomplete misrepresentation of facts" that unfairly framed it as a 'pilot versus passenger' dispute. The statement emphasized that Captain Sejwal was travelling as a passenger, not on flight duty, and the altercation was a purely personal matter unrelated to his professional responsibilities with Air India Express.
The lawyer accused Ankit Dewan of selectively presenting facts to construct a false narrative. The statement alleged that Dewan initiated the confrontation by verbally abusing Sejwal without provocation and continued using "abusive, degrading and threatening language." It was further claimed that casteist remarks were directed at Sejwal and threats were made against female members of his family, including a child.
Sequence of Events and CISF Intervention
According to the lawyer's account, the verbal dispute escalated into a physical scuffle, during which Captain Sejwal also sustained injuries. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the airport intervened promptly. The CISF officials repeatedly instructed Dewan to calm down and cease his abuse, but he allegedly continued his misconduct in their presence.
The crucial point of resolution came next. The incident was settled on the spot in the presence of the CISF officials. Both parties voluntarily signed a written statement confirming that they did not wish to pursue any legal action against each other. The lawyer's statement stressed that Dewan signed willingly, without any coercion or pressure.
Aftermath and Airline's Response
The lawyer's clarification seeks to distance the pilot's employer from the incident, stating that attempts to link the airline's name are unwarranted and appear aimed at gaining social media traction for a settled issue. Captain Sejwal has expressed faith that authorities will examine the incident impartially, considering all facts beyond the social media frenzy.
Earlier, Ankit Dewan had claimed he was assaulted by the pilot during security checks while travelling with his family. In response, Air India Express issued a statement regretting the incident and condemning the pilot's behaviour. The airline confirmed that the pilot has been removed from his official duties pending a thorough investigation, with appropriate action to follow.
The CISF has also publicly confirmed on the social media platform 'X' that their officers acted promptly, offered both individuals the chance to file formal complaints, and that the offer was voluntarily declined by them.
