A shocking incident has surfaced at Delhi airport where a passenger alleged that he was physically assaulted by an off-duty Air India pilot, leaving him bloodied, after a dispute over the use of a staff-only security checkpoint. The victim, Ankit Dewan, claimed the incident occurred near Terminal 1 when he was travelling with his wife, a seven-year-old daughter, and a four-month-old infant in a stroller. According to Dewan, airport staff initially directed his family toward the staff security lane, where several employees were allegedly cutting the queue. When he objected, a pilot identified as Captain Virender Sejwal allegedly abused him verbally, calling him “unpadh” (uneducated), and accused him of ignoring signage meant for staff.

Dewan alleged that the argument quickly escalated into violence, with the pilot physically assaulting him in full public view. He claimed that despite bleeding heavily, airport authorities failed to respond promptly. According to his account, first aid was delayed by nearly 45 minutes as CISF personnel did not allow him to cross the security checkpoint to reach the medical centre. Dewan further alleged that the pilot openly threatened him in front of security personnel, yet no immediate action was taken. He also claimed that he was forced to write a letter to “resolve” the matter, saying he had no choice as refusing would have meant missing his flight and losing holiday bookings worth ₹1.2 lakh. The incident, he said, traumatised his young daughter, who remains fearful after witnessing the assault.

After the issue gained traction on social media, Air India issued a statement apologising for the incident and distancing itself from the act, clarifying that the pilot was travelling as a passenger on another airline. The airline stated that the concerned employee has been removed from official duties pending a detailed investigation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken serious cognisance of the matter and ordered a formal enquiry, seeking reports from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Central Industrial Security Force. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings, as questions mount over passenger safety and accountability at one of India’s busiest airports.