Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has filed a formal complaint after she was allegedly subjected to 'chor' (thief) and 'Jai Shri Ram' chants by a group of co-passengers on an IndiGo flight. The incident, which occurred on May 8, 2026, has sparked a political row, with Moitra condemning the act as targeted harassment and an attempt to intimidate her.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Kolkata. According to Moitra's complaint, soon after boarding, a group of passengers began chanting 'chor, chor' and later 'Jai Shri Ram' in her vicinity. The MP alleged that the chants were directed at her and created a hostile environment. She stated that despite her request to the cabin crew to intervene, no action was taken to stop the chants.
In her complaint, Moitra said, "This was a premeditated act of harassment. The chants were not random; they were aimed at me. I felt unsafe and targeted." She added that such behavior is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent for public discourse.
Political Reactions
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political parties. The TMC has rallied behind Moitra, with party leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a pattern of intimidation against opposition MPs. TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale said, "This is a clear case of mob mentality being used to silence voices. We demand an investigation and strict action against those responsible."
On the other hand, BJP leaders have distanced themselves from the incident, calling for a probe to ascertain the facts. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated, "If anyone has violated the law, action should be taken. However, we must not jump to conclusions without evidence."
Moitra's Previous Encounters
This is not the first time Mahua Moitra has faced such incidents. In recent months, she has been at the center of several controversies, including a heated exchange in Parliament and online trolling. The MP has often been vocal against the government's policies and has faced backlash from right-wing groups.
Legal and Aviation Response
Moitra has submitted her complaint to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and has also sought action from the airline. IndiGo, in a statement, said they are looking into the matter and will cooperate with authorities. "We take all complaints seriously and are conducting an internal investigation. Safety and dignity of all passengers are our priority," the airline said.
Legal experts say that if the chants are proven to be targeted harassment, the offenders could face charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to public nuisance and intimidation.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debates about the safety of public figures and the growing polarization in society. Many have called for stricter measures to prevent such acts of intimidation in public spaces, including on flights. The case also highlights the challenges faced by women in politics, with Moitra being a frequent target of online and offline abuse.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the need for a more respectful and inclusive public discourse, where differences of opinion do not translate into personal attacks.
