Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Group and Kurukshetra MP, has slammed IndiGo after the staff allegedly returned his daughter’s wheelchair in “bent” and “unusable” condition following the Goa to Delhi flight. His daughter, Sminu Jindal, was returning from Purple Fest Goa, a festival honouring freedom, independence and dignity of persons with disabilities, when the incident took place. 

‘Received bent, unusable wheelchair,’ says Sminu Jindal 

Sminu took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her anguish over the damage to her custom-built wheelchair, criticising IndiGo for its careless handling. She said that a wheelchair is not “just equipment”, but a symbol of “mobility, independence, and dignity”.

ALSO READ

“On my IndiGo flight 6E 6264 (Goa-Delhi), my custom wheelchair – built specifically for my spinal cord injury – was returned to me completely bent & unusable,” she wrote on X, adding that this is far from an “isolated case”.

She added, “It’s a repeated trauma that thousands of persons with disabilities face when they fly. A wheelchair is not just equipment – it is our mobility, our independence, our dignity. Once its frame is bent, it can never be repaired.”

Sminu further suggested that airlines create a dedicated, protected space on flights for wheelchairs and ensure their staff are properly sensitised to handle assistive devices. “Safety of assistive devices is mandatory. Somebody’s life & life’s earnings depend on it.”

She also tagged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for immediate intervention. “I strongly urge Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to intervene and call upon IndiGo to take urgent corrective action. This issue has been pending for far too long.”

ALSO READ

‘Time for better sensitivity training’: Naveen Jindal

Naveen Jindal shared his daughter’s post and said that what happened with her is deeply concerning and “reflects a larger systemic issue”. 

“A wheelchair is not just mobility; it represents dignity and independence. Airlines must handle assistive devices with utmost care and respect,” he said, before adding, “It’s time for stronger protocols and better sensitivity training.”

‘Matter is being reviewed diligently,’ says IndiGo

IndiGo, in a statement on social media, apologised for the inconvenience, stating that the matter is currently being reviewed.

“We are concerned to learn of your experience and sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. We always strive to ensure the utmost care for assistive devices and assure you that the matter is being reviewed diligently,” the airline responded to her post, adding that they have been trying to establish a connection with her to “address the issue at the earliest”. 

In yet another comment, three hours later, IndiGo added that the airport staff immediately assisted her and provided her with an alternative wheelchair.

“…We understand the importance of an assistive device and assure you that we remain available to extend any support you may require… Please be assured that we are continually strengthening our efforts to ensure the most sensitive handling and care for all our customers’ needs.”