Srinagar, August 3, 2025 — A senior Indian Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet staff members at Srinagar Airport last week, leaving three seriously injured, after a dispute over excess cabin baggage turned violent.
The incident took place on July 26 at the boarding gate of flight SG-386 bound for Delhi. The officer, identified as Ritesh Kumar Singh, reportedly refused to comply with baggage regulations before physically attacking the airline staff.
What Sparked the Assault?
According to a statement by SpiceJet, the officer was carrying two pieces of cabin luggage weighing 16 kg—more than double the permitted 7 kg limit. When informed of the excess and asked to pay the additional charges, he allegedly bypassed security protocols by forcing his way onto the aerobridge.
He was escorted back to the gate by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. That’s when the situation escalated.
Multiple Staff Injured
The airline claims the officer physically attacked four employees:
- One employee suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being punched and repeatedly kicked.
- A second staff member collapsed unconscious, only to be kicked further while on the ground.
- A third suffered facial injuries, including bleeding from the nose and mouth after being kicked in the jaw while helping the unconscious colleague.
All injured staff were taken to a hospital for treatment. SpiceJet confirmed that an FIR has been filed with the local police.
No-Fly List and Ministry Involvement
SpiceJet has moved to place the officer on the no-fly list, citing a clear violation of aviation safety protocols. The airline has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action against the accused.
Airport CCTV footage has been handed over to the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.
Official Response
The CISF stated that its team responded quickly to contain the incident, ensuring there was no disruption to flight operations.
SpiceJet, in a public statement, condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring employee safety. “We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law,” the airline said.
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