Guwahati: A man who was assaulted mid-air by a fellow passenger during an IndiGo flight has gone missing, according to his family in Assam. The incident, which occurred on Thursday aboard a flight from Mumbai to Silchar via Kolkata, has drawn widespread attention after a video capturing the assault went viral online. His family has demanded a full investigation and access to airport CCTV footage.

Panic attack turns violent mid-flight

According to videos that have since gone viral, Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar, 32, was being assisted off the aircraft by two IndiGo cabin crew members after reportedly suffering a panic attack — a sudden episode of intense fear that can cause overwhelming physical symptoms. As the crew escorted him, a co-passenger seated in the aisle, later identified as Hafijul Rahaman, slapped him without warning. The video shows flight staff urging Rahaman to refrain from violence, with another passenger audibly condemning the assault.

IndiGo has since confirmed that Rahaman was detained by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officers upon landing in Kolkata and handed over to the police, though he was released shortly after. The airline stated that its crew followed Standard Operating Procedures and that regulatory authorities were informed. However, the statement made no mention of Mazumdar’s condition or whereabouts following the incident.

Disappearance after landing

Mazumdar, a gym trainer based in Mumbai, was reportedly on his way home to Katigorah in Assam’s Cachar district and was scheduled to take a connecting flight from Kolkata to Silchar. According to his family, he never boarded that connecting flight, and his phone has been switched off since the incident.

Initially unaware of what had occurred on board, family members went to receive him at Silchar airport on August 2. After he failed to arrive, they later identified him in the viral video showing the in-flight assault. Since then, all attempts to reach him have failed.

Family devastated, father battling cancer

Mazumdar’s disappearance has left his family in distress. His father, who is reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer, has been particularly affected.

The family says they have received no concrete information from the police or airport authorities. A missing person’s report has been lodged at the Udharbond Police Station, and the family has contacted CISF for help.

Calls for transparency and CCTV footage

Now, the family is demanding a transparent investigation into Mazumdar’s disappearance. They have specifically called for the release of any CCTV footage or airport movement logs that could help trace his movements after landing in Kolkata.

Despite the airline confirming that procedures were followed with regard to the unruly passenger, no details have been made public about Mazumdar’s condition after disembarkation. His continued absence has only fuelled speculation and anxiety.

As of August 2 evening, there has been no official update from law enforcement agencies or IndiGo regarding his whereabouts. However, Indigo announced on Saturday that the assailant would be suspended from flying on any Indigo flights, through their official X (formerly Twitter) handle.