Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Aug 3: Four SpiceJet ground staff suffered serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and a broken jaw, after an Army officer allegedly assaulted them during a confrontation over excess cabin baggage at Srinagar airport, the airline said.
The incident occurred when the officer, preparing to board a flight to Delhi, attempted to carry 16 kilograms of cabin luggage—well above the domestic limit of 7 kg. The army officer started the “murderous assault” following an argument after the airlines staff at the counter reportedly informed him that additional charges would apply, the airlines said.
“Four SpiceJet employees were left with grievous injuries in the assault at Srinagar airport, including a spinal fracture,” the airline has said in a statement. An employee fainted on the floor, but he kept kicking him, the airline narrated. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel – who manage the airport’s security – intervened promptly and tackled the situation.
The officer against whom a case of “murderous assault” has been lodged was identified as Lt. Col. Ritesh Kumar Singh, who was posted in Gulmarg. “One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious on the floor but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee. Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while bending down to assist the colleague who had fainted. The injured employees were rushed to hospital and remain under treatment for the grievous injuries sustained,” the spokesperson said.
Budget carrier SpiceJet said the incident occurred on July 26 involving a Delhi-bound passenger. “A passenger grievously assaulted four SpiceJet employees at the boarding gate of flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi on July 26, 2025. Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks, and a queue stand,” the airline said in a statement.
“The passenger, a senior Army officer, was carrying two pieces of cabin baggage weighing a total of 16 kg, more than double the permitted limit of 7 kg. When politely informed of the excess baggage and asked to pay the applicable charges, the passenger refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process — a clear violation of aviation security protocols. He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official,” the spokesperson said.
At the gate, the passenger grew increasingly “aggressive and physically assaulted” four members of the SpiceJet ground staff. Video footage circulating online shows the officer striking employees with a check-in information board as CISF personnel attempt to intervene.
An FIR has been registered with the local police, and the airline has initiated the process to place the passenger on the no-fly list in accordance with civil aviation regulations. SpiceJet has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation apprising them of the “murderous assault” on its staff and has requested appropriate action against the passenger.
The airline has secured the CCTV footage of the incident from the airport authorities and handed it over to the police. “SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” said the spokesperson.
The CISF confirmed it intervened to contain the situation and ensured that flight operations were not disrupted. Responding to a video shared online, the CISF assured that necessary action would be taken. “The incident took place during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 over a baggage-related issue. CISF personnel intervened promptly, managed the situation, and ensured no disruption to Flight operations. Further, necessary action was taken,” it said.
As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, this incident falls under Level 2 (physical abuse) and potentially Level 3 (life-threatening behaviour), resulting in a ban from flying for up to six months (if Level 2) and two years or more without limit (if Level 3).
The issue has come to the notice of the Indian Army, and we are awaiting the conclusion of the pending investigation. Indian Army is fully committed to maintaining discipline and mutual respect in all civil spaces across the country,” army sources said.