A routine family trip turned into a distressing ordeal for a SpiceJet passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after he alleged that an Air India Express pilot physically attacked him during a dispute at Terminal 1. The incident has drawn the attention of aviation authorities, prompting the airline to remove the pilot from duty and the government to order a formal investigation.

The passenger, Ankit Dewan, was travelling with his wife and children, including a four-month-old infant in a stroller. According to Dewan, airport personnel advised the family to use the staff and PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) security lanes to ease their passage through security.

Trouble began when Dewan noticed multiple people moving ahead in the queue. When he protested, he claims an off-duty Air India Express pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, confronted him and made insulting remarks.

Passenger Alleges Pilot Called Him “Anpadh”

“The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Capt. Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn’t read the signs that said this entry was for staff,” Dewan wrote in a post on X.

What followed, he alleges, went far beyond a verbal argument. Dewan said that after the exchange, he proceeded toward the frisking area, only for the pilot to return and physically attack him.

“Not able to exercise restraint, the AIX [Air India Express] pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody. The blood in the photograph on his shirt is also mine,” he said in another post, where he publicly identified the pilot.

Speaking later to NDTV, Dewan described the incident as shocking, particularly given the setting. “I think it is very appalling how things went down and how people are very quick to get physical and you assault somebody. I did not expect this at the airport. It happens on the streets all the time, but at the airport, it’s very, very disturbing,” he said.

Recounting the moments leading up to the assault, Dewan said the initial disagreement began during the security process. “One staff suggested that I put my mobile in the front, but I objected. That is when Captain Virender Tejwal said something like ‘where these guys come from’ and called me (anpadh) illiterate,” he said.

“He Came Back and Hit Me,” Passenger Claims

Dewan claimed the argument remained verbal until the pilot allegedly returned and struck him. He also alleged that his wife overheard the pilot threatening him moments earlier.
“Then he came and assaulted me. The CISF should have stopped him. I’m quite surprised that they did nothing.”

While the injuries were not severe enough to require stitches, Dewan said he continues to experience pain. He said the emotional impact on his family was far worse. “It was traumatising for everybody,” he said, explaining that his daughter became fearful during the flight and his wife broke down later that night after holding herself together for the children.

Air India Express confirmed that one of its employees was involved in an altercation at the Delhi airport while travelling as a passenger on another airline. In its statement, the airline condemned the behaviour and announced immediate action.

“We profoundly regret this incident at Delhi Airport, involving one of our employees who was traveling as a passenger on another airline. We extend our heartfelt empathy for the distress it has caused, and strongly condemn such behaviour,” the airline said.
 

“The concerned employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, and appropriate action will be taken pending thorough investigation.”

Air India Express Assures Full Cooperation

The airline added, “While we refrain from public comments while due process is followed, please be assured this matter has our highest attention. We remain fully committed to provide due cooperation to law enforcement authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation also stepped in, stating that it had taken serious note of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot immediately. Reports have been sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Delhi Police said they learned of the alleged assault through Dewan’s social media posts and confirmed that no formal complaint has yet been filed. “The matter came to the knowledge of police through this social media post. Whenever a written complaint is received by the victim, in this regard, appropriate legal action will be taken,” police said.

Dewan has alleged that he was pressured into signing a statement saying he would not pursue the case, claiming he was told he would otherwise miss his flight and lose costly holiday bookings. Sources said the off-duty pilot later boarded an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further action expected after the inquiry is completed.