Indian Airlines Unite Against Assault: 4 Major Carriers Ban Army Officer
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In a rare display of collective action, four major Indian airlines have banned a senior army officer who allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet staff members at Srinagar airport in July. The ban, prompted by the severity of the attack, comes after one of the employees suffered severe injuries, including two fractures on his back that left him bedridden for three months. The incident occurred on July 26 at the boarding gate of flight SG 386 from Srinagar to Delhi. According to SpiceJet, the dispute began when staff informed the officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, that his two cabin bags exceeded the 7kg weight limit. When asked to pay the applicable charges, Singh refused and forcibly entered the aerobridge, violating aviation security protocols. A video of the incident, showing the officer hitting staff with a queue stand, was widely circulated on August 3. The airline employees were subjected to grave physical abuse, including slapping, punching, and kicking. Officials describe the officer's actions as 'absolutely unacceptable' and a clear breach of aviation rules. The collective ban by IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air sends a strong message about the safety of frontline aviation workers, who often face aggressive behaviour while enforcing basic rules. The ban is in effect until 2030, and the officer has the right to appeal. SpiceJet had previously declared the officer 'unruly' and placed him on their No Fly List, lodging a case with the local police and handing over CCTV footage of the incident. The army has cooperated with the authorities in the investigations, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and maintaining public order. This action highlights the airlines' commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards violence and aggression in the industry.
