An external enquiry panel has been set up to look into last week’s incident wherein an Air India Express pilot, who was off-duty and travelling by another airline assaulted a passenger at Terminal 1 of the Delhi Airport. The airline has of course condemned the pilot’s behaviour.
The pilot, Virender Sejwal, was suspended immediately and a show-cause notice was issued demanding an explanation.
The enquiry will be conducted in line with the labour laws of the country, as a pilot is considered a workman.
The victim of the assault, Ankit Dewan, posted a photo of his injured face on social media following the argument with Sejwal. Dewan was reportedly annoyed when he saw some staff members cutting the queue and went on to question them. At this, Sejwal asked Dewan whether he was illiterate and couldn’t read the sign that said the entry was meant for staff. Sejwal then proceeded to physically hit Dewan, who posted a picture of his own bloodied face along with an image of Sejwal on social media.
The matter has been taken very seriously by the Civil Aviation Ministry, which has ordered Air India Express to ground Sejwal.
Results of a detailed investigation are awaited from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Once the investigation is complete, disciplinary action will be taken against the pilot on the basis of the report.
