Air India pilot accused of assault at IGI airport joins investigation

The Air India pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi's IGI Airport has joined the investigation and faces potential arrest. The passenger, Ankit Dewan, alleged the assault by Captain Virender Sejwal occurred during a crowded security check.

The Air India pilot, accused of assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, joined the investigation and is being questioned, Delhi Police said in a statement on Monday. "Captain Virender Sejwal has joined the investigation. If the IO (Investigating Officer) isn't satisfied with his reply, he can be arrested in the assault case. Investigation is being carried out in the matter based on merits and available evidence," Delhi Police said.

Victim Recounts Incident

Earlier, Ankit Dewan, who alleged that he was assaulted by an Air India Express pilot at Terminal-1 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, said the incident occurred during security checks while he was travelling with his family. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dewan explained the chronology of the incident, saying, "We were travelling with our four-month-old baby in a stroller, and CISF personnel directed us towards a particular security check area. I later realised this is an old-style machine, and old-style machines have been while other-style machines have been upgraded. So this machine that could handle big luggage like a guitar and strollers, and this has also been used by the staff."

Dewan said the security area already had a long queue, including staff members, and more people continued to join. "I was standing in the passengers' queue. A group of people with guitars were also ahead. I had a lot of luggage, so I asked my wife to take the baby through the ladies' gate while I managed four trays, three bags, and a stroller," he said.

Passenger Demands Accountability, CCTV Footage

Dewan also raised questions to the airport operator DIAL, the aviation regulator DGCA, and the airlines Air India Express, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, seeking clarity on the incident involving an off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal. In a post on X, Dewan, who was travelling with his family, including young children and an infant, on December 19, stated that an FIR has already been filed with the Delhi Police; however, he questioned the lack of statements from the concerned authorities and demanded the release of CCTV footage, which he has repeatedly requested. (ANI)

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