Delhi airport assault: Pilot booked after viral video, passenger claims nasal fracture

A case has been registered against a commercial pilot after a video allegedly showing him assaulting a passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport went viral, triggering swift action from both the aviation regulator and the airline involved.

The accused, pilot Virendra Sejwal, is alleged to have assaulted passenger Ankit Dewan at Terminal 1 during a security check on Friday. The incident gained widespread attention after Dewan posted a video of the altercation on social media, triggering widespread public anger.

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According to Delhi Police, the FIR has been registered at the IGI Airport police station under Sections 115, 126 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on a complaint filed by Dewan.

Case registered after video goes viral

Police said a case has been registered at the IGI Airport police station under Sections 115, 126, and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The FIR was lodged based on a complaint filed by Dewan, who was travelling with his family at the time of the incident.

| A SpiceJet passenger alleges assault by an off-duty Air India Express pilot at Delhi Airport during a security check. The incident, witnessed by his family, prompted the airline to remove the pilot and launch a formal investigation.#AirIndiaExpress #DelhiAirport… pic.x.com/MOSVCNiCl6

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 20, 2025

Officials said the video footage played a key role in prompting immediate action. Following a preliminary investigation and examination of the visuals, the accused pilot was taken into custody. Further questioning is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and circumstances that led to the alleged assault.

Passenger reports nasal fracture, seeks justice

Meanwhile, Dewan has claimed that medical examination revealed serious injuries. Speaking to ANI on Monday, he said a recent CT scan showed a “displaced fracture of the left nasal bone”.

He added that he had submitted a detailed written complaint to the police and did not wish to comment further as he focused on recovery, expressing hope that justice would be delivered in the case.

Aviation ministry orders probe, airline suspends pilot

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered an inquiry into the matter. Soon after the video surfaced online, Air India Express, the employer of the accused pilot, suspended Sejwal from official duties.

In a statement posted on X, the airline said it strongly condemned the alleged behaviour and would fully cooperate with the investigation.

“Air India Express deeply regrets the incident involving one of its employees. The pilot has been removed from official duties, and the airline is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to ensure a fair and thorough investigation,” the statement read.

Police said further legal action would be decided based on the outcome of the investigation and medical reports.