Delhi Airport Altercation: Pilot's Lawyer Claims Facts Misrepresented, Incident

The lawyer for Captain Virender Sejwal, an Air India Express pilot, has released a statement. It claims the recent Delhi Airport passenger altercation has been misrepresented. The lawyer asserts the December 19 incident was a "purely personal matter" between two passengers.

Off-Duty Pilot's Defense

Captain Sejwal was traveling as a passenger at IGI airport terminal 1. He was not on flight duty, according to the statement. The lawyer argues the incident was unconnected to his professional duties.

The statement alleges that social media reports present a "one-sided, incomplete misrepresentation of facts." It claims the other passenger, Ankit Dewan, "selectively presented facts."

Claims of Resolution and Abuse

According to the lawyer, the confrontation was initiated by Dewan. It is alleged that Dewan verbally abused Captain Sejwal without provocation. Furthermore, the statement claims Sejwal was subjected to "casteist remarks" and threats against his family.

The lawyer maintains the Delhi Airport passenger altercation was resolved. This resolution occurred in the presence of CISF officials. Both parties voluntarily signed a statement confirming they would not pursue legal action.

This directly contradicts Dewan's earlier claims of being coerced to sign the document. The CISF has publicly confirmed that both parties declined to file formal complaints.

Regulatory and Airline Response

Despite the claim of a settled issue, the incident drew swift industry attention. Air India Express had already removed the pilot from official duties. The airline expressed regret and condemned the pilot's behavior.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) also took serious notice of the Air India Express pilot incident. MoCA directed the airline to ground Captain Sejwal immediately. A formal inquiry was ordered by the ministry.

Detailed reports were sought from both the BCAS and the CISF. The airline is also setting up an external committee to probe the matter.

• Aviation employee conduct is under scrutiny, even when off-duty. This highlights the industry's high standards.
• The formal inquiry will determine the truth behind the conflicting accounts. This is crucial for maintaining Trustworthiness in commercial aviation news [flying.flights].

Captain Sejwal's lawyer requests that the media and public rely on verified facts. They ask the public to refrain from circulating misleading content. The lawyer has full faith the authorities will look at the incident impartially.