Delhi Police have arrested Captain Virender Sejwal, an off-duty Air India Express pilot, for allegedly assaulting a passenger, Ankit Dewan, at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport’s Terminal 1, reported the times of India.
The incident, which occurred on December 19, 2025, was triggered by a dispute at the staff entry gate. Dewan, who was travelling with his family and young children, was directed by CISF personnel to use the staff lane, where he encountered Sejwal.
An argument over queue priority escalated into a physical attack by the pilot. Following a wave of social media outrage and a Ministry of Civil Aviation probe, Sejwal was grounded by the airline and subsequently arrested after investigators reviewed CCTV footage.
Trigger At Delhi T1
The confrontation took place when Ankit Dewan, burdened with luggage and a stroller, followed security instructions to use the staff entry point to expedite his transit.
Captain Sejwal, who was “deadheading” (travelling as a passenger to operate a subsequent flight) to Bengaluru, was using the same lane. Witnesses report that a heated verbal exchange began when Dewan questioned why crew members were bypassing the queue.
The situation turned violent when the pilot allegedly struck Dewan, leaving him bleeding from the nose. Although Dewan initially declined to file a formal police complaint at the scene to avoid missing his flight, he later sought medical help and went public with the traumatic details of the assault.
Police Investigation
The Delhi Police intensified their probe after the victim shared his ordeal on social media, alleging that his young daughter was left traumatised by the sight of her father being thrashed.
Additional Commissioner of Police (IGI) Vichitra Veer confirmed that the arrest was effected after a thorough review of CCTV evidence and recording witness statements.
“The accused was called for questioning and his arrest was effected a few days back,” an official told TOI. Authorities are now scrutinising airport crowd management protocols to understand why the situation was not defused earlier by the security personnel present on-site.
Air India Express, Ministry Response
The Ministry of Civil Aviation took serious cognisance of the violence in a high-security zone and immediately ordered a high-level probe. Acting on government directives, Air India Express grounded Captain Sejwal and removed him from all flying duties pending the final inquiry.
In an official statement, the airline condemned the pilot’s behaviour, asserting that “appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings.”
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the CISF have also been asked to submit detailed reports, as the incident has sparked a broader debate about the temperament and accountability of airline staff even when off-duty.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no degree of professional seniority or personal frustration justifies physical violence. The sight of a father being thrashed in front of his children is not just a legal offence but a deep violation of the safety and dignity we expect in public spaces.
Airports are high-stress environments, yet it is precisely in these settings that individuals in positions of responsibility must exercise the highest level of restraint.
