army-officer-assaults-spicejet-staff-over-cabin-bag-charges

An Indian Army officer has been charged for a violent assault on four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport on July 26, after being asked to comply with cabin baggage restrictions. The incident, described by the airline as a 'murderous assault,' left all four employees with grievous injuries, including one with a spinal fracture and another with severe jaw trauma.

According to SpiceJet, the officer became aggressive after being informed that he was carrying two cabin bags weighing a combined 16 kg — more than double the 7 kg limit — and would need to pay extra charges. Instead of complying, the officer allegedly forced his way into the aerobridge without completing the required boarding process, breaching airport security protocol. A CISF official intercepted him and brought him back to the boarding gate.

Spicejet says the man in orange (an Army officer) has been booked for this “murderous assault” on its staff at Srinagar airport over payment for excess cabin baggage. Airline says spinal fracture and broken jaw among the injuries. Probe underway. pic.twitter.com/g2QmIPU7eJ

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 3, 2025

It was at the gate that the situation escalated. In a detailed statement, the airline said the officer physically assaulted four members of their ground staff with punches and repeated kicks. One employee collapsed unconscious during the attack, but the officer continued to kick him. Another staffer, who bent down to assist the fallen colleague, suffered a strong kick to the jaw, resulting in bleeding from the nose and mouth.

 

Also Read: Slapped on flight, man goes missing, found at railway station

The injured employees were immediately rushed to the hospital and are currently under treatment for their serious injuries. The airline confirmed that an FIR has been registered with the local police and stated that it is initiating procedures to place the passenger on the no-fly list, in line with civil aviation rules.

SpiceJet has formally written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action against the passenger for what it called a deliberate and brutal assault. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is in charge of airport security, confirmed that its personnel responded promptly to the situation and brought it under control. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has acknowledged the incident and stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing civil investigation. "We have taken note of the incident and are looking into the matter seriously," an Army spokesperson said.

 

Also Read: SpiceJet Pune-bound flight’s window frame dislodges mid-air