Srinagar: In a shocking incident at Srinagar airport on July 26, a senior Army officer allegedly launched a violent assault on SpiceJet ground staff after being asked to pay charges for excess cabin baggage. The incident left one airline employee with a spinal fracture and another with a broken jaw, prompting public outrage and an FIR under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The passenger, identified as Lieutenant Colonel RK Singh, is posted at the Army’s High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg and was en route to Delhi on Flight SG-386. SpiceJet has termed the incident a “murderous assault” and has initiated steps to place Singh on the national no-fly list. The airline confirmed it had submitted CCTV footage of the assault to police and had informed the civil aviation ministry.

According to SpiceJet, Singh was carrying 16kg of cabin baggage—more than double the permitted 7kg limit—and reacted violently when politely asked to pay the standard excess baggage fee. Instead of complying, he forcibly entered the aerobridge, violating security protocols. When a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official brought him back to the boarding gate, his aggression escalated.

“He used a queue stand to beat staff members, rained down punches and kicks, and did not stop until one of the victims collapsed unconscious on the floor,” the airline stated. Another staff member suffered heavy bleeding from the nose and mouth after being kicked in the face while attempting to assist the unconscious colleague.

All four injured employees are Kashmiri, though their names have not been disclosed. They are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The Indian Army has issued a brief statement saying it is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and mutual respect in civil spaces.

Public backlash has been swift and fierce in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference spokesperson Sarah Hayat Shah condemned the assault as “gundagardi” and called it “highly condemnable & shameful.” PDP leader Iltija Mufti also reacted strongly, demanding the Army take “immediate action to set an example.” SpiceJet has vowed to pursue the case to its “fullest legal and regulatory conclusion.”