Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad has hit an Air India staff with his slippers, according to report. It has been learned that the scuffle broke out over the seating issue. Air India has ordered’an probe into the matter. We have constituted a team to probe the whole incident, Air India spokesperson says. The first time MP from Maharashtra’s Osmanabad has also admitted that he has hit the staff. “Yes I beat him as he had misbehaved with me,” Gaikwad said. “I purchased a business class ticket but I was given an economy class seat. When I complained about the issue, they did not pay any heed,” the MP said. Air India is the number 2 company in the company, he added, according to CNN News 18. Gaikwad also said that Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju should take notice about how Air India is functioning.

WATCH | Unedited footage of Shiv Sena MP R Gaikwad roughing up Air India staff

According to CNN News18 report, it was a New Delhi-bourne flight which landed in the national capital at 11 am on Thursday. The aircraft was coming from Pune, the report says.

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“Do you expect me to hear their abuses quietly,” Shiv Sena MP R Gaikwad on hitting AI staff member with his slipper. As soon as the flight landed in New Delhi, the MP slapped the staff.

air india
God save our country if this is the culture and behavior of our MPs, said Air India Staff Sukumar who was assulted by Shiv Sena MP R Gaikwad in complaint letter. (ANI)

“When I told him what he’s asking isn’t possible he (Shiv Sena MP R.Gaikwad) became abusive, used foul language,” says Air India staff Sukumar who was hit by the MP. “Gaikwad hit me, used bad words and not only broke my specs but humiliated me in front of the whole crew,” said the Air India staff.

In a complaint letter, he said, “God save our country if this is the culture and behavior of our MPs.”

Rushing to the MP’s rescue, Shiv Sena’s Manisha Kayande said the party does not advocate such behaviour. “He has agreed that he has done it, however, Shiv Sena does not advocate such behavior,” Kayande told news agency ANI. She further said Gaikwad is a popular MP and the party wants to find out what made him lose his temper. “What instigated him should be probed,” she added.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju (ANI)
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju (ANI)

Breaking silence over the issue, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said. “No political party will encourage physical assault. It should never have happened.”

In late evening development, Delhi Airport Manager Harinder Singh told ANI that two FIRs have been lodged against him (MP R Gaikwad), one by the victim SuKumar and one by Air India. “Air India staff is agitated, hence we are blacklisting this MP,” he said.

(With agency inputs)