IGIA Pilot-Passenger Clash: What Does CCTV Footage Reveal in Assault Probe?

The investigation into the alleged assault by an off-duty Air India Express pilot on a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is accelerating.

Delhi Police have formally registered a First Information Report (FIR). This action follows a complaint from passenger Ankit Dewan. Police are now closely reviewing the airport’s CCTV footage. This video evidence is central to the probe. A medical examination reportedly confirmed the passenger sustained injuries. The incident occurred on December 19 at Terminal 1. The altercation began near a staff security check area.

Regulatory and Airline Response

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has ordered a formal inquiry. Air India Express has taken swift action. The airline grounded Captain Virender Sejwal pending the probe. They also issued a show-cause notice to the pilot. The airline plans to constitute an external inquiry committee. This is to examine the allegations against the pilot. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines govern such incidents. These rules ensure aviation safety standards are maintained.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge

The pilot and passenger have provided conflicting accounts. Passenger Ankit Dewan alleged the pilot was cutting a queue. Dewan claims the argument escalated into a physical assault. He was traveling with his family, including an infant. The pilot, Captain Sejwal, was off-duty at the time. He was traveling as a passenger on an IndiGo flight.

Captain Sejwal strongly contests the assault claims. Through his lawyer, he alleged Dewan used verbal abuse. The pilot also claimed the passenger made casteist remarks. He further alleged threats were made against his family members. Sejwal emphasized the incident was a purely personal matter. He stated it had no connection to his professional pilot duties. The pilot’s lawyer also claimed the issue was initially resolved. Both parties reportedly signed a statement not to pursue legal action. Dewan later disputed this, alleging coercion.

The Role of CCTV Evidence

Police sources confirm the surveillance footage is key. Investigators are analyzing the visuals frame by frame. The goal is to establish the sequence of events clearly. This will determine accountability for the pilot-passenger altercation details. The footage will either corroborate the assault claim or the pilot's defense. The outcome will impact the pilot’s career and airline disciplinary action. Such high-profile airline staff passenger disputes draw regulatory scrutiny. This highlights the need for professional conduct from all airline personnel. The final police report and external committee findings are expected soon. For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.