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Srinagar, August 3, 2025 — A senior Indian Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet ground staff at Srinagar International Airport on July 26, after being asked to pay for exceeding cabin baggage allowance. The officer, travelling on SpiceJet flight SG‑386 to Delhi, carried two cabin bags weighing 16 kg, far exceeding the 7 kg limit.(turn0search9turn0search7turn0search0)
SpiceJet stated that when informed about the excess baggage charge, the officer “refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge,” violating aviation security protocols. He was then escorted back by a CISF official, after which the assault took place.(turn0search7turn0search4)
At the boarding gate, the officer launched a violent assault—throwing punches, delivering repeated kicks, and using a queue stand as a weapon. One staff member suffered a spinal fracture, another sustained serious jaw injuries, and a third collapsed unconscious only to be kicked repeatedly. Another suffered bleeding from nose and mouth when attempting to support the unconscious colleague.(turn0search7turn0search5)
Videos and CCTV footage, now submitted to authorities, capture the harrowing incident. SpiceJet has classified the event as a “murderous assault” and has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with Budgam Police, requesting action from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and placing the officer on a no‑fly list.(turn0search5turn0search8)
The CISF at Srinagar Airport intervened swiftly, securing the scene and ensuring continuity of flight operations. Sources from the Army say top leadership is aware and monitoring the investigations closely.(turn0search2turn0search6)
SpiceJet has assured full legal and regulatory follow-through. The airline has also demanded maximum permissible sanctions under DGCA norms for Level 2 (physical abuse) or Level 3 (life-threatening conduct) offences, which may result in a flying ban of six months to indefinite suspension.(turn0search2turn0search4)
Medical reports confirm that the injured employees remain under hospital care. SpiceJet reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its workforce against violence and called for stricter passenger conduct protocols at airports.(turn0search7turn0search12)
✅ Key Incident Details
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Date & Location | July 26, 2025, Srinagar Airport, boarding gate of SG‑386 |
Passenger | Senior Army officer, identity not publicly shared |
Baggage Issue | Two cabin bags totalling 16 kg vs 7 kg limit |
Staff Injuries | Spinal fracture, jaw break, bleeding, unconsciousness |
Violent Actions | Punches, kicks, assault using a queue stand |
Legal Action | FIR filed, passenger to be added to no‑fly list, Ministry informed |