Army Officer Booked for Assaulting Four Airline Staffers at Srinagar Airport
An FIR has been filed against a senior Army officer for allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport following a dispute over excess baggage. The airline reported that the attack was unprovoked and severe, leaving one staffer with a spinal fracture and others with serious injuries. SpiceJet has initiated the process to place the officer on the no-fly list and has reported the incident to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Army has stated it is cooperating with the police investigation.
Unpacked:
The dispute began when the Army officer attempted to board with 16 kg of cabin baggage, exceeding the 7 kg limit. After refusing to pay the excess fee and trying to forcibly enter the aerobridge, he was escorted back by security, where the confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in serious injuries to the staff.
SpiceJet filed an FIR against the officer, initiated placing him on the no-fly list, and reported the matter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Army is cooperating with the police investigation. Separate FIRs have been registered for both parties, but no arrests have been made so far.
Yes, the Army officer filed a counter-complaint alleging that he was also assaulted by the airline staff and missed his flight. An FIR has been registered for his complaint as well, and both cases are under investigation.
Families of the injured staff expressed anger after learning that the officer was allowed to leave Srinagar the next day. The airline condemned the violence, and the Army emphasized its commitment to discipline and cooperation with authorities, but there is public concern about accountability.