Srinagar, India — Disturbing videos and CCTV footage of a “murderous assault” on SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport have gone viral, prompting the airline to file an FIR against a senior army officer. The incident, which occurred on July 26, 2025, reportedly stemmed from a dispute over excess cabin baggage.
According to SpiceJet, the passenger, a senior army officer, was attempting to board a flight to Delhi with two pieces of cabin baggage weighing a total of 16 kg, more than double the airline’s permitted limit of 7 kg. When staff members politely informed him of the excess weight and asked him to pay the applicable charges, the officer refused and became aggressive.
Viral videos and CCTV footage obtained by Hindustan Times show the officer repeatedly kicking and punching SpiceJet staffers. In one video, he is seen grabbing a queue stand and using it to attack an employee. The airline’s official statement described the assault as “murderous,” detailing the severe injuries sustained by its staff. “Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand,” the statement read.
The assault reportedly continued even after one employee collapsed unconscious. “One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious on the floor but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee,” the airline stated. Another staff member, who was bending down to help his colleague, suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after being kicked forcefully in the jaw. The injured employees were rushed to the hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
The airline has submitted the videos and CCTV footage as part of its FIR with the local police. In a statement, the airline confirmed that it has also initiated the process to place the passenger on the no-fly list and has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting “appropriate action.”
Responding to the incident, the Indian Army has said that it has taken cognizance of the matter and is investigating the issue. According to the Army, the officer involved, a Lieutenant Colonel, was on emergency leave with only one cabin bag and claims he was mistreated by the airline staff, and has also filed an FIR.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides security at the airport, intervened to de-escalate the situation and ensure that flight operations were not disrupted.