Army officer booked for ‘murderous assault’ on airline staff over excess baggage

  

By Sagaya Fernando | August 4, 2025

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, INDIA: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across civil aviation circles, a senior Indian Army officer has been booked for allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet ground staff at Srinagar International Airport after being asked to pay for excess cabin baggage.

The violent altercation occurred on July 26 during the boarding process for SpiceJet flight SG-386 bound for Delhi. According to the airline, the officer — identified by sources as Lt Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, currently posted at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg — was carrying two cabin bags weighing a total of 16 kg, more than double the permitted limit of 7 kg.

When staff informed him of the excess baggage charges, the officer allegedly refused to comply and attempted to forcefully enter the aerobridge without completing the mandatory boarding procedure — a serious breach of aviation security protocols. He was intercepted and brought back by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which oversees airport security.

What followed was described by the airline as a “murderous assault.” In a detailed statement released Sunday, SpiceJet alleged the officer launched a brutal attack on its employees at the boarding gate, using punches, repeated kicks, and even a queue stand as a weapon.

“One of our employees collapsed unconscious on the floor, but the passenger continued to kick and assault him,” the airline said. “Another staffer, who bent down to assist the colleague, was kicked in the jaw, leading to severe bleeding from the nose and mouth. One staff member suffered a spinal fracture, while others sustained serious injuries. All were rushed to hospital and remain under treatment.”

Video footage of the incident, which surfaced on social media on August 3, shows the officer violently hitting a staff member with a queue stand, triggering widespread condemnation.

SpiceJet has lodged an FIR with local police, submitted CCTV evidence, and begun the process of placing the officer on India’s no-fly list in accordance with civil aviation regulations. The airline has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging swift and appropriate action.

Police confirmed that two FIRs have been filed — one based on the complaint from the airline and the other from the officer. The first FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 131 (criminal assault or force), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation). The officer’s counter-complaint has also been registered under similar provisions, including Section 191(2) (use of force by an assembly).

The Indian Army responded with a statement saying the matter is under serious consideration. “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to investigating authorities,” said Defence PRO.

The CISF also confirmed its involvement, stating: “Our personnel acted promptly during the incident and ensured that flight operations were not disrupted. Necessary action was taken in coordination with airport authorities.”

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the officer’s actions could qualify as a Level 2 or Level 3 unruly passenger offense. Level 2 involves physical abuse and could result in a no-fly ban of up to six months, while Level 3 — which includes life-threatening behaviour — could lead to a ban of two years or more.

SpiceJet said it will pursue the case to its “fullest legal and regulatory conclusion.” The incident has reignited demands from aviation industry staff unions for stricter enforcement of passenger conduct rules and stronger safeguards for ground staff at airports.