VIDEO: Indian army officer under investigation for assaulting SpiceJet staff

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VIDEO: Indian army officer under investigation for assaulting SpiceJet staff | Secret Flying

Army officer accused of assaulting airline staff.

 

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have launched an investigation into an Indian army officer accused of physically attacking airline employees after being asked to pay for excess baggage.

 

The incident occurred on 26 July at Srinagar airport but drew nationwide attention over the weekend when footage surfaced online showing the officer striking a SpiceJet ground staff member with a metal stand. The airline has stated that one of its employees suffered a spinal fracture and severe jaw injuries during the confrontation.

 

The officer, identified as Ritesh Kumar Singh, has denied wrongdoing, alleging that he was provoked by the staff. He has also filed a complaint against SpiceJet, claiming that the airline’s employees assaulted him. The Indian army has confirmed it is reviewing the matter and will determine any disciplinary action once the investigation concludes. It reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and taking all allegations seriously.

 

SpiceJet reported that the altercation began as Mr Singh was preparing to board a flight from Srinagar to Delhi. The airline claimed he was carrying cabin baggage double the permitted weight. When staff asked him to pay the extra charges, he allegedly refused and attempted to enter the aerobridge without completing the boarding process.

 

According to the airline, staff escorted Mr Singh back to the gate, at which point he became increasingly aggressive and assaulted four ground crew members. Videos circulated online show him striking an employee with a metal stand before being confronted by a security guard who tried to remove the object. Despite this, he continued to lash out with punches and shouted insults. A police officer eventually intervened to separate him from the staff.

 

SpiceJet alleged that one staff member lost consciousness but was still kicked and hit by Mr Singh while on the floor. Another employee reportedly sustained facial bleeding after being kicked in the jaw while trying to help the injured colleague. The airline has submitted CCTV footage to the police and has begun proceedings to add Mr Singh to India’s no-fly list.

 

Mr Singh has countered the claims, insisting that SpiceJet personnel treated him unfairly and provoked his actions. Meanwhile, police have filed charges against him, including criminal intimidation and assault. He has also lodged his own police complaint accusing the airline’s staff of using force against him.