NEW DELHI – An Indian Army officer has been booked for allegedly assaulting four airport staff members at Srinagar Airport on July 26, after he was asked to pay an excess baggage fee, Indian outlet The Times of India (TOI) reported on Sunday.
According to the report, the officer was scheduled to fly from Srinagar to Delhi when the incident occurred. He was reportedly carrying two pieces of hand luggage weighing 16 kilograms—more than double the permitted 7kg cabin limit. When the airline staff requested that he pay the excess baggage fee, the passenger allegedly became aggressive and forcibly proceeded to the aerobridge without completing the required boarding process.
He was subsequently brought back to the gate by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official. It was at that point, TOI reported, quoting a SpiceJet spokesperson, that the situation escalated violently.
The army officer allegedly launched a brutal physical assault on four SpiceJet ground staff members, using punches, kicks, and even a queue stand as a weapon. One staff member reportedly lost consciousness and collapsed, yet the officer continued to kick and strike the unconscious employee. Another staffer sustained a serious jaw injury after being kicked while trying to assist the fallen colleague.
“The airline says its staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries,” TOI quoted. All injured staff were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are still under medical care.
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The Indian Army acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying: “The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on July 26 has come to the notice of the Indian Army. The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities investigating the case.”
SpiceJet has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with local police and initiated steps to place the passenger on India’s no-fly list. The airline has also formally approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action.
“SpiceJet has written to the aviation ministry, apprising them of the murderous assault on its staff and requesting appropriate action against the passenger,” the spokesperson said. CCTV footage of the incident, obtained from airport authorities, has been submitted to law enforcement.