A senior Army officer has been booked for “murderous assault” following a violent altercation with SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport last week. According to Spice Jet, the passenger (army officer) was carrying cabin baggage weighing 16 kg, more than double the permitted limit of seven kg. However, when asked to pay for the extra luggage, he refused and tried to barge into the aerobridge.

Brutal assault by the officer

In a statement, the airline further said, “Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand.” The army officer can be seen repeatedly hitting the SpiceJet staff with an object in his hand until CISF personnel intervened and took him away.

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The statement further read that, “He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official. At the gate, the passenger grew increasingly aggressive and physically assaulted four members of the SpiceJet ground staff.”

After the violent incident, SpiceJet has lodged an FIR with the local police and handed over the CCTV as evidence. Along with this, the airline has also started the process of putting the passenger on the no-fly list. SpiceJet has also informed the Civil Aviation Ministry about the incident and requested action against the passenger.

CISF responds, and No-fly

CISF has responded to the video of the violent incident shared online and assured that the necessary action will be taken against the officer. It said, “The incident took place during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 over a baggage-related issue. CISF personnel intervened promptly, managed the situation, and ensured no disruption to Flight operations. Further, necessary action was taken.”

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According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, this incident falls under Level 2 (physical abuse) and potentially Level 3 (life-threatening behaviour), resulting in a ban from flying for up to six months (if Level 2) and two years or more without limit (if Level 3).