Army Officer Booked for Brutal Assault on SpiceJet Staff Over Extra Baggage Fee at Srinagar Airport
In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, a senior Army officer has been booked for violently assaulting multiple ground staff members of SpiceJet at the Srinagar International Airport after being asked to pay for excess cabin baggage.
The incident occurred on July 26 at the boarding gate for SpiceJet flight SG-386, which was scheduled to depart for Delhi.
According to statements released by the airline and eyewitness accounts, what began as a routine request from airline staff quickly escalated into a horrific scene of physical violence and chaos.
The passenger, identified as a senior Army officer currently posted at the prestigious High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, allegedly became aggressive and physically attacked four SpiceJet employees who were simply enforcing standard baggage policies.
Violent Attack Caught on CCTV
The entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the Srinagar airport, and the footage has since been handed over to the police. In the video, the officer can be seen repeatedly punching, kicking, and beating the airline staff with a queue stand, a metal barrier pole typically used for organizing lines.
One SpiceJet employee is seen collapsing to the ground after sustaining serious injuries, only to be further kicked and beaten while unconscious — a moment that has horrified viewers of the footage.
Another staff member reportedly suffered severe jaw injuries and facial bleeding after being kicked while bending down to assist his unconscious colleague.
The force of the kick caused immediate bleeding from the nose and mouth. Other staff members sustained spinal fractures, bruises, and blunt trauma as a result of the violent altercation.
Several injured employees were rushed to a local hospital, where they remain under medical supervision. The injuries have been described by doctors as grievous and potentially long-term, raising concerns about the safety of airline personnel performing their duties.
The Trigger: Excess Baggage
The incident was allegedly triggered when the officer attempted to board the flight carrying two pieces of cabin luggage totaling 16 kilograms — more than double the permissible 7 kg limit for cabin baggage.
When SpiceJet ground staff politely informed him about the excess weight and asked him to pay the applicable excess baggage fee, the officer reportedly refused and forcefully attempted to board the plane without completing the boarding formalities.
Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intervened and escorted the officer back to the boarding gate. However, instead of complying, the officer reportedly became more aggressive and initiated a brutal physical assault on the unarmed SpiceJet staff.
SpiceJet Responds with Legal and Regulatory Action
Following the attack, SpiceJet lodged a formal complaint with the police at Budgam Police Station, where an FIR was promptly registered against the Army officer. The airline has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting urgent intervention and calling for strict legal and regulatory action against the accused.
SpiceJet has also initiated the process to place the officer on the national no-fly list, according to civil aviation safety guidelines. If approved, this move would prohibit the individual from flying on any domestic airline within India, effectively barring him from commercial air travel due to the severity of the assault.
In a strong statement, a SpiceJet spokesperson said: We strongly condemn this murderous assault on our staff. Such acts of violence are unacceptable under any circumstances. We will ensure that the matter is pursued to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion.”
Broader Implications for Airline Staff Safety
The incident has reignited the debate around passenger misconduct and staff safety at airports, especially with rising tensions between travelers and airline personnel over baggage restrictions, delays, and other operational issues.
Aviation industry experts and employee unions are calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting airline and airport staff from such abuse. Many are demanding enhanced security protocols, better training for handling aggressive passengers, and swift legal action in cases involving violence.
The CCTV footage of the attack, which shows a SpiceJet employee being carried away on a stretcher, has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Police authorities in Budgam district confirmed that a case has been filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault, grievous injury, and criminal intimidation. They are currently reviewing the video evidence and eyewitness accounts, and further investigation is underway.
The Army has not yet released an official statement regarding the officer’s conduct, but sources indicate that the matter may also be referred for internal disciplinary action, pending the outcome of the police investigation.
As the nation waits for justice, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by frontline service workers and the urgent need to uphold civility, accountability, and the rule of law, especially in high-security, high-pressure environments like airports.
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