Army Lieutenant Colonel Booked for Assaulting SpiceJet Staff at Srinagar Airport; Army Assures Full Cooperation

The Indian Army has stated it is awaiting the outcome of an investigation into a violent altercation involving one of its officers and SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport on July 26, 2025.

The incident gained widespread attention after disturbing video footage of the alleged assault circulated on social media.

Violent Confrontation at Boarding Gate

The conflict took place at the boarding gate of SpiceJet flight SG-386 bound for Delhi. According to the airline, a senior Army officer became violent following a disagreement over excess cabin baggage.

SpiceJet stated that the officer, who is posted in Kashmir, assaulted four ground staff members with punches, repeated kicks, and a queue stand.

One employee suffered a spinal fracture, and another sustained severe jaw injuries.

SpiceJet said, “The employees were attacked with punches, repeated kicks, and a queue stand. One staffer collapsed unconscious, but the passenger continued kicking the fainted employee. Another was bleeding from the nose and mouth after a kick to the jaw while trying to assist the injured colleague.”

All four employees were hospitalized and are undergoing treatment.

Footage Surfaces, FIR Filed

The incident gained momentum after a video allegedly showing the officer striking the staff with a queue stand went viral on August 3. The accused has been charged with “murderous assault.”

The airline confirmed that the clash stemmed from the officer being asked to pay for carrying two cabin bags weighing 16 kg, more than double the 7 kg limit.

According to reports, the officer attempted to bypass boarding checks and enter the aerobridge without paying the required fee. A CISF official brought him back to the gate, where the situation escalated, resulting in a physical attack on staff.

Army’s Response and Statement

In response to mounting public criticism, the Indian Army issued a statement: “The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on 26 July 2025 has come to the notice of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army is committed to uphold the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities in investigating the case.”

Another statement from Army headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining “discipline and mutual respect in all civil spaces across the country.”

Legal Action and Allegations

The FIR, filed at the Budgam police station, accuses the officer—Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh of the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg—of unprovoked and violent assault under Sections 115(2), 126(2), 351(2), and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The charges relate to voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and use of criminal force.

SpiceJet said in its statement, “SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion.”

The airline has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and initiated steps to place the officer on a no-fly list, in accordance with DGCA norms. CCTV footage has also been submitted to the police.

Officer’s Version and Counter-Complaint

Speaking to The Indian Express, the accused officer said, “I have no story to tell. The story is that they harassed me and provoked me. That is all.”

According to The Times of India, the officer was on emergency leave and has filed a counter-FIR, alleging mistreatment by the airline staff and claiming he missed his flight due to their actions.

Summary of Events

The confrontation at Boarding Gate No. 2 of Srinagar Airport occurred just before the scheduled departure of flight SG-386.

The officer was reportedly carrying excess baggage and refused to pay additional charges. When stopped by security for skipping boarding procedures, the officer allegedly became aggressive and assaulted the staff.

SpiceJet stated, “The passenger grievously assaulted our staff members with punches, repeated kicks, and even used a queue stand as a weapon.” One staffer collapsed after being kicked while unconscious, while another sustained serious facial injuries.

Ongoing Investigation

The Army has reiterated its stance of full cooperation with the authorities. “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously,” its statement concluded.

SpiceJet, meanwhile, has condemned the incident and remains firm on seeking strict legal action. The airline has submitted CCTV evidence and formally approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure necessary steps are taken.