The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken “serious cognizance” of a violent altercation at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), ordering a formal high-level inquiry into an off-duty Air India Express pilot who allegedly physically assaulted a passenger on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The Incident: Scuffle at the Staff Lane
The confrontation unfolded at Terminal 1 (T1) near a security checkpoint. The passenger, Ankit Dewan, was traveling for a family vacation with his wife, their seven-year-old daughter, and a four-month-old infant in a stroller.
- The Trigger: Airport staff directed the family to use the Staff/PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) lane due to the infant. The altercation began when Dewan objected to a group of airline staff, including Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly cutting the queue.
- The Insult: Dewan alleges that when he called out the behavior, Sejwal mocked him, asking if he was “anpadh” (illiterate) and couldn’t read that the lane was for staff.
- The Escalation: The verbal spat turned violent. Witnesses and photos shared on social media show Dewan with a bloodied face and torn clothes. He claims the pilot punched him brutally in front of his traumatized daughter.
“Fly or File”: The ₹1.2 Lakh Ultimatum
In a series of viral posts on X (formerly Twitter), Dewan leveled a secondary, equally shocking allegation against airport authorities:
- The Dilemma: Dewan claims he was pressured by CISF and airport officials to sign a letter stating he would not pursue legal action.
- The Threat: He was allegedly told that if he insisted on filing a formal police complaint immediately, he would miss his SpiceJet flight and forfeit ₹1.2 lakh in non-refundable holiday bookings.
- Legal Status: Delhi Police confirmed they are aware of the incident via social media but noted that no formal FIR has been registered yet, as the family proceeded with their flight to avoid financial loss.
Official Responses & Disciplinary Action
The Ministry and the airline have moved swiftly to address the public outcry.
| Organization | Action Taken | Official Statement |
| MoCA | Pilot Grounded | Ordered a high-level inquiry; sought reports from BCAS and CISF regarding security lapses. |
| Air India Express | Removed from Duty | “We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee has been removed from official duties with immediate effect.” |
| CISF | CCTV Review | Claims personnel intervened “immediately” and provided medical aid, though Dewan disputes the speed of response. |
Industry Debate: The “Entitlement” Factor
While the aviation industry has condemned the violence, some experts noted that “dead-heading” pilots (traveling to another city to operate a flight) are typically given priority in staff lanes to ensure they meet strict rest-period and flight-timing regulations. However, MoCA officials emphasized that “no priority status justifies physical assault” on a fellow traveler, especially one accompanied by infants.