Army Officer Assaults SpiceJet Staff at Srinagar Airport Over Luggage Dispute; Four Employees Injured
Srinagar, 3rd August 2025: An Indian Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar Airport over a luggage dispute on July 26, resulting in serious injuries to the airline staff. The incident, which has now come to light, involved Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, who is currently posted at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an India Today report, the officer attacked the staff after being asked to pay excess baggage charges. One employee reportedly suffered a spinal fracture, another sustained a broken jaw, a third began bleeding from the nose, while the fourth employee fainted during the attack—but was still allegedly kicked by the officer.
Excess Baggage Led to Heated Argument
The incident occurred while boarding SpiceJet flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi. As per the airline’s statement, the army officer was carrying two cabin bags weighing a combined 16 kg—more than double the 7 kg limit allowed under airline policy. When staff informed him of the excess and requested additional payment, the officer reportedly refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, violating aviation security protocols.
Brutal Assault Captured on CCTV
SpiceJet said the officer then began assaulting the employees using a metal stand kept in the boarding area. One staff member lost consciousness during the attack, but the officer allegedly continued kicking him. Another employee who bent down to assist the unconscious colleague was kicked in the face, causing severe jaw and nasal injuries. All four employees were later admitted to a hospital for treatment.
FIR Registered, Army Promises Action
The police have registered an FIR against the officer, but no arrest has been made so far. The Indian Army has acknowledged the incident and said appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the accused officer.
SpiceJet has placed Lieutenant Colonel Singh on the no-fly list in accordance with civil aviation regulations. The airline has also submitted a formal complaint to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and handed over CCTV footage from the airport to aid the police investigation.
Appeal for Justice
In its communication to the ministry, SpiceJet has sought strict action against the officer, calling the assault “unprovoked and brutal.” The incident has reignited discussions around ensuring the safety of airline staff and enforcing zero tolerance for violence at airports.
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