Incident at Srinagar Airport Sparks Legal Action

A confrontation at Srinagar airport has resulted in a police case against an Army officer and a SpiceJet staff member. The altercation, which occurred on July 26, involved a dispute over excess cabin luggage during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 to Delhi. The incident left four airline employees injured, with one suffering a spinal fracture and another sustaining severe jaw injuries.

Details of the Altercation

The conflict began when Army officer Ritesh Kumar Singh attempted to board the flight with two cabin bags weighing a total of 16 kilograms. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, domestic flights allow only 7 kilograms of cabin luggage without incurring additional fees. Upon being informed of the excess weight and the required charges, Singh allegedly refused to comply and tried to bypass the mandatory boarding process by entering the aerobridge forcefully.

Security Intervention and Escalation

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official intervened, escorting Singh back to the boarding gate. It was here that the situation reportedly escalated into violence. SpiceJet claims that Singh became aggressive, physically assaulting four ground staff members. The attack included punches, kicks, and using a queue stand as a weapon. One staff member suffered a spinal fracture, while another endured serious jaw injuries, including bleeding from the nose and mouth after being kicked in the face.

Army’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Army has acknowledged the incident and is cooperating with the civil investigation. A source within the Army confirmed their support for the inquiry into the matter. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about passenger behavior and security protocol adherence in airports.