An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virendra Sejwal, has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a passenger at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and was later released on bail, police officials confirmed. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a passenger who accused the pilot of physical and verbal abuse during an altercation at the airport. Since the offences invoked are bailable in nature, Sejwal was released shortly after the formalities were completed.
Delhi Police stated that a detailed investigation is currently underway to establish the exact sequence of events. CCTV footage from multiple cameras installed at Terminal 1 is being examined carefully, and statements from the complainant, eyewitnesses, and other relevant individuals have already been recorded. Officials said the collected video evidence and testimonies are being analysed to determine responsibility and verify the claims made in the complaint.
According to police sources, Captain Sejwal has appeared before investigators and is cooperating with the inquiry. His statements are being cross-checked with the available evidence, including CCTV visuals and medical records. Authorities added that if inconsistencies are found or if further questioning is required, additional legal steps may be taken. Senior officials emphasised that the investigation is being conducted strictly on merit and that no conclusions will be drawn prematurely.
The incident reportedly occurred on December 19 near the security checkpoint at Terminal 1. The complainant, Ankit Dewan, alleged that the confrontation began after he objected to airline staff allegedly bypassing the queue. He claimed that Sejwal, who was travelling as a passenger on a different airline at the time, verbally abused him and later assaulted him. Dewan also stated that his seven-year-old daughter witnessed the incident, leaving her traumatised.
Medical reports submitted to the police reportedly confirmed that Dewan suffered a displaced fracture of the nasal bone. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation.
In response to the incident, Air India Express issued a statement acknowledging the matter. The airline clarified that Captain Sejwal was not on duty at the time and was travelling independently. It added that he has been removed from active duties pending the outcome of an internal inquiry. The airline also stated that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities.
Police officials reiterated that the case remains under investigation and that further action will depend on the findings of the probe. They also said that more details would be shared once the inquiry progresses, stressing that all aspects of the incident are being examined to ensure a fair and impartial outcome.
