Army officer booked for 'murderous assault' on SpiceJet staff over cabin baggage dispute | Watch

(Screen Grab)

An army officer has been booked for allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet staff members at the Srinagar airport over an excess cabin baggage dispute.

The incident, which took place on July 26 during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 to Delhi, left several airline employees with grievous injuries, including a spinal fracture and a broken jaw.

In a statement, SpiceJet said the passenger, carrying 16 kg of cabin luggage, more than double the 7 kg limit, was informed about the additional charge but refused to pay. He then attempted to enter the aerobridge forcefully without completing boarding formalities, violating airport security protocols.

“He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official. At the gate, the passenger grew increasingly aggressive and physically assaulted four members of the SpiceJet ground staff,” the airline said.

The airline described the assault as “murderous,” saying one employee fainted but was still kicked repeatedly. “One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious on the floor, but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee. Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while bending down to assist the colleague who had fainted. The injured employees were rushed to the hospital and remain under treatment for the grievous injuries sustained,” the statement said.

A video of the incident circulating online shows a man in an orange T-shirt hitting a staffer with a queue stand while others attempt to intervene. CISF personnel are seen restraining the man.

Spicejet says the man in orange (an Army officer) has been booked for this “murderous assault” on its staff at Srinagar airport over payment for excess cabin baggage. Airline says spinal fracture and broken jaw among the injuries. Probe underway. pic.twitter.com/g2QmIPU7eJ

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 3, 2025

SpiceJet said it had filed an FIR with the local police, handed over CCTV footage, and initiated the process to add the passenger to its no-fly list. “SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” it said.

The CISF confirmed its personnel intervened and managed the situation promptly. “The incident took place during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 over a baggage-related issue. CISF personnel intervened promptly, managed the situation and ensured no disruption to flight operations. Further, necessary action was taken,” the agency said in a post online.

The airline has informed the Civil Aviation Ministry about the "murderous assault" and requested action against him.