August 3, 2025: A senior Army officer has been booked for “murderous assault” after a violent altercation with SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport last week. The incident, which was reportedly triggered by a dispute over excess baggage, resulted in serious injuries to airline employees.
According to a statement from SpiceJet, the passenger, an Army officer, was carrying cabin baggage weighing 16 kg, more than double the permissible limit of seven kg. When asked to pay for the extra luggage, he allegedly refused and attempted to forcefully enter the aerobridge. The situation escalated when he physically assaulted four ground staff members.
A video of the incident shows the officer repeatedly hitting a staff member. SpiceJet’s statement details the extent of the violence, reporting that “our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand.”
The airline has filed an FIR with the local police, handed over CCTV footage as evidence, and initiated the process of placing the officer on the no-fly list. The Civil Aviation Ministry has also been informed. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which intervened to contain the situation, has assured that necessary action will be taken. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, the officer could face a ban of up to six months or more, depending on the severity of the offense.