Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting passenger at IGI Airport arrested, later released on bail

An Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was arrested and later released on bail, as the offence is bailable, Delhi Police said on Tuesday.

Police said the accused, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, joined the investigation and was questioned on Monday. A case was registered following a complaint by passenger Ankit Dewan, who alleged he was assaulted during security checks at Terminal 1 while travelling with his family.

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According to Delhi Police, investigators have collected CCTV footage from the airport and recorded statements as part of the probe. “Captain Virender Sejwal has joined the investigation. If the IO (Investigating Officer) is not satisfied with his reply, he can be arrested in the assault case. Investigation is being carried out in the matter based on merits and available evidence,” police said.

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The alleged incident took place during security screening, when Dewan was travelling with his wife and their four-month-old baby. Dewan said CISF personnel directed him towards a particular security lane. “I later realised this is an old-style machine, and old-style machines have been while other-style machines have been upgraded. So this machine that could handle big luggage like a guitar and strollers, and this has also been used by the staff.”

He said the queue at the security checkpoint was long, with both passengers and staff members waiting. Dewan said he asked his wife to take their baby through the women’s gate while he managed the luggage and stroller on his own.

“I was standing in the passengers’ queue. A group of people with guitars were also ahead. I had a lot of luggage, so I asked my wife to take the baby through the ladies’ gate while I managed four trays, three bags, and a stroller,” he said.

Following the incident, Dewan sought clarity from the airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the airline over the alleged conduct of the off-duty pilot at the airport.