SpiceJet staff attacked by army officer in Srinagar; Probe launched | VIDEO

New Delhi: A senior army officer has been charged with violently assaulting four SpiceJet staff members at Srinagar airport after being informed he had exceeded the cabin luggage limit. The airline has said the incident resulted in "grievous injuries", including a spinal fracture and serious jaw wounds.

Dispute over excess cabin luggage turns violent

According to SpiceJet, the officer was due to board flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi on 26 July 2025. He was reportedly carrying two cabin bags weighing 16 kg in total, more than double the allowed 7 kg limit. When staff politely informed him about the excess weight and asked him to pay the extra charges, the officer allegedly refused and forcibly entered the aerobridge without completing the required boarding formalities.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, intervened quickly and escorted the passenger back to the gate.

Staff suffer serious injuries

At the boarding gate, the passenger allegedly turned violent and attacked four ground staff members. SpiceJet said one employee collapsed on the floor after being repeatedly punched and kicked. Despite losing consciousness, the officer continued to kick the staff member.

Another employee who tried to help the injured colleague was kicked in the face and suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth. The airline said the employees were rushed to hospital and are still being treated for severe injuries, including a spinal fracture and jaw damage.

FIR filed, no-fly process initiated

SpiceJet has confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with local police. The airline is also in the process of placing the officer on the no-fly list, as per civil aviation rules.

SpiceJet has informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation about the incident and has requested appropriate action be taken against the accused. The airline called the incident a "murderous assault" and cited it as a clear breach of aviation security protocol.

The matter is now under police investigation.