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The passenger, Ankit Dewan, said he was traveling with his family, including his four-month-old daughter, and that airport staff had instructed him to use the employee security check-in line. In a post on social media platform X, Dewan shared pictures showing blood on his face and alleged that Pilot attacked him after a verbal altercation.
According to Diwan, when staff members including pilot Captain Virendra went ahead of him in the queue, he objected. He alleged that the pilot responded with abusive language and after an argument physically attacked him, leaving him bleeding. Dewan said his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the incident and was traumatized by it.
Responding to the allegations, Air India Express said it “categorically condemns such behaviour” and confirmed that the employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect pending an internal investigation. The airline said appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The airline clarified that at the time of the incident the employee was traveling as a passenger on another airline and was involved in an altercation with a fellow passenger. “Air India Express maintains the highest standards of conduct and professionalism and is committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times,” the statement said.
Dewan also alleged that he was forced to sign a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further, claiming that he was told that failure to do so would result in him missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh.
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