An Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, was arrested by the Delhi police and subsequently released on bail since he was held under a bailable offence, the police said on Tuesday.
Earlier, the pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, had been asked to joined the police investigation following which he was questioned on Monday, Delhi Police said in a statement.
“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,” the police said.
Ankit Dewan, a passenger, had alleged assault at the hands of Sejwal, saying he was manhandled at Terminal-1 of Delhi’s IGI airport on December 19 during security checks while he was travelling with his family.
“We were travelling with our four-month-old baby in a stroller, and CISF personnel directed us towards a particular security check area. I later realised this is an old-style machine that could handle big luggage like a guitar and strollers, and this has also been used by the staff,” Dewan told reporters, adding that the queue kept getting longer, with staff members also joining in.
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“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 added.
The altercation seems to have been triggered by Dewan and Sejwal quarrelling about who gets to pass security clearance first.
The police said it collected relevant CCTV footage and recorded the statements.
Dewan, meanwhile, has raised questions about the efficiency of the airport operator DIAL, the aviation regulator DGCA, and the airlines.
Sejwal has been booked under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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