Delhi Police arrested an off-duty Air India Express pilot on December 30, 2025, for allegedly assaulting a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The accused, Captain Virendra Sejwal, was taken into custody after an FIR was registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation. The incident occurred in the airport's departure area on December 29, when a verbal argument between Sejwal and a fellow passenger reportedly escalated into physical confrontation. Witnesses stated that the pilot struck the passenger on the face, prompting immediate intervention by airport security and CISF personnel.

The altercation took place while both individuals were waiting for their respective flights, with the passenger claiming the pilot became aggressive over a minor dispute related to seating or queue management. Video footage from the airport CCTV, which has been secured by the police, reportedly shows the moment of the assault. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, filed a complaint at the IGI Airport police station shortly after the incident, leading to a swift investigation. Captain Sejwal, who was off-duty and traveling as a passenger, cooperated initially by joining the probe and being questioned by the investigating officer before his formal arrest.

Air India Express, a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, confirmed awareness of the incident involving one of its pilots and stated that the matter is under police investigation. The airline emphasized that it takes such allegations seriously and is fully cooperating with authorities while maintaining that the employee was not on duty at the time. The company has refrained from commenting further on the specifics, pending the outcome of the legal process. Aviation industry observers note that such incidents involving crew members, even off-duty, can attract scrutiny regarding professional conduct and behavioral standards.

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The arrest has reignited discussions about passenger safety, airport security protocols, and the responsibilities of aviation personnel in public spaces. Delhi Police officials have indicated that the case will be thoroughly probed, including examination of witness statements and CCTV evidence, to determine the sequence of events and any provocation involved. The accused pilot is expected to be produced before a magistrate for remand proceedings. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and restraint in high-stress environments like airports, especially during peak travel periods.

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