Air India Express Pilot Grounds: What Did His Lawyer Say About the Delhi

An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, was suspended following an altercation. The incident involved passenger Ankit Dewan at Terminal 1 of the Delhi Airport on Friday. The airline suspended the Air India Express pilot grounded pending a full investigation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) also directed the pilot's immediate grounding. This high-profile Delhi airport altercation has sparked a formal inquiry.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge

Passenger Ankit Dewan first brought the incident to light on social media. He alleged that Captain Sejwal physically assaulted him. The dispute reportedly began over queue-jumping at a staff security check area. Dewan claimed his seven-year-old daughter was traumatized after witnessing the assault. He also alleged he was pressured to sign a statement not to pursue legal action to catch his flight.

Pilot's Defense and Casteist Remarks Claim

In a statement, the lawyer for Captain Virender Sejwal, Sonali Karwasra Joon, presented a counter-narrative. The lawyer claimed the public portrayal was a one-sided misrepresentation of facts. She stated that casteist remarks claim were made against Captain Sejwal. Furthermore, the statement alleged “unfathomable threats” were issued against female family members, including a child. The lawyer insisted the incident was a personal matter between two passengers. It had no connection to the pilot's professional duties or his employer, Air India Express.

According to the pilot's lawyer, the matter was resolved at the airport. Both parties voluntarily signed a statement confirming they did not wish to pursue legal action. This resolution occurred in the presence of CISF officials.

Regulatory and Airline Response

The Ministry of Civil Aviation took serious cognizance of the incident. They directed the airline to ground the pilot immediately. A formal Ministry of Civil Aviation inquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports are being sought from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Air India Express issued a statement condemning the behavior. The airline confirmed the employee was removed from official duties immediately. Appropriate disciplinary action will follow the inquiry's findings. The pilot was reportedly traveling as a passenger on another airline, possibly IndiGo, for a “dead-heading” flight.

Industry Impact on Employee Conduct

This incident highlights the scrutiny faced by aviation personnel. Airline employee conduct is held to a high standard, even when off-duty. The public nature of the dispute, amplified by social media, forces immediate regulatory action. The BCAS CISF report will be crucial in determining the facts. It will also assess the security protocol at the airport's Terminal 1. The outcome will set a precedent for how airlines handle personal disputes involving employees. It emphasizes the need for composure from all aviation stakeholders. This is vital for maintaining public trust in commercial aviation news and safety. The airline remains committed to upholding high standards of professionalism. The pilot's lawyer has expressed full faith in the impartial investigation by authorities.