An FIR has been lodged against Virender Sejwal, an Air India Express off-duty pilot, following the complaint submitted by flyer Ankit Dewan, accusing the pilot of physically assaulting him at the T1 terminal of Delhi airport.
“I have sent a written complaint to the Delhi Police for necessary action, and an FIR has been registered. I am right now focusing on my health, and a CT scan showed a “displaced fracture in the nose,” Dewan told FoEJ Media.
Dewan, who was travelling with his wife and two children, told FoEJ Media that airport staff directed his family to use the staff security check, citing the presence of their four-month-old baby in a stroller.
“When I called them out, Capt. Virender—who was doing the same—asked whether I was anpadh (uneducated) and said I could not read the signs stating that the entry was meant for staff,” he said.
A verbal altercation between Dewan and the pilot escalated into violence. “Unable to exercise restraint, the AIX pilot allegedly assaulted me, leaving me bleeding,” he told FoEJ Media.
“I hope I get justice in the matter,” he added.
Meanwhile, a law firm has released a statement on behalf of Captain Virender Sejwal.
“Capt. Virender Sejwal was travelling as a passenger. He was not on flight duty, nor was the incident connected in any manner to his professional responsibilities. It was a purely personal matter between two passengers,” the statement reads.
“Mr. Ankit Dewan has selectively presented facts to create a false narrative, wrongly implying a professional conflict and attempting to sensationalize a settled issue, whereas casteist remarks were made against Capt. Sejwal, and absolutely unfathomable threats were made to female members of his family, including a child,” the statement reads.
“The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry,” Air India Express said.
