Air India Express Pilot Incident: Passenger CT Scan Reveals Nasal Fracture

December 22, 2025 at 05:54 PM•2 min read

Air India Express removed a pilot after a Delhi Airport scuffle; the passenger reported a displaced nasal fracture, prompting a police complaint and

Key Points

1Passenger Ankit Dewan's CT scan showed a displaced fracture of the left nasal bone after the alleged December 19 assault.
2Delhi Police registered an FIR against off-duty [Air India Express](https://www.airindiaexpress.in) pilot Captain Virender Sejwal, with cross-complaints filed by both parties.
3The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) ordered the pilot's immediate grounding pending a formal inquiry.
4The pilot's legal team claims the passenger initiated the confrontation, used abusive language, and made casteist remarks.

Passenger Ankit Dewan's recent CT scan showed a displaced fracture of the left nasal bone.

This follows an alleged physical assault at Delhi International Airport Terminal 1. The alleged assailant is Air India Express pilot Captain Virender Sejwal.

The incident occurred on Friday, December 19, during a security check.

Incident Details and Allegations

Mr. Dewan was traveling with his family, including an infant. They were using the staff/PRM security lane as guided by airport personnel.

He claimed a verbal scuffle began over queue cutting. The argument escalated quickly into a physical confrontation. Mr. Dewan posted images of his injury on social media. He has since filed a written complaint with the Delhi Police.

Pilot's Counter-Claim

Captain Sejwal's legal team issued a counter-statement. They assert the pilot was off-duty and traveling as a passenger. The incident was a purely personal matter, they claim.

The pilot's lawyers allege Mr. Dewan initiated the confrontation. They state he used abusive and threatening language. Furthermore, they claim Mr. Dewan made casteist remarks against Captain Sejwal. The lawyers also noted that both parties initially signed a statement. This document confirmed they did not wish to pursue legal action. The current social media portrayal is seen as one-sided.

Regulatory and Corporate Response

Air India Express immediately removed the pilot from official duties. The airline issued a show cause notice to Captain Sejwal. They stated a commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. The airline is conducting a thorough internal investigation.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) took serious notice. They directed the airline to ground the pilot immediately. MoCA also ordered a formal inquiry into the matter. Reports were sought from the CISF and BCAS.

Delhi Police confirmed an FIR was registered against Captain Sejwal. The case was registered under appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police also confirmed receiving cross-complaints from both individuals.

This incident highlights the critical need for composure among all aviation personnel. It raises questions about airline crew conduct even when off-duty. Maintaining airport passenger safety and security is paramount for all stakeholders. The outcome of the police and MoCA inquiries will set a precedent for future incidents in Indian commercial aviation news. For more updates on flight operation news, visit flying.flights.