The officer, enraged over excess baggage fees, allegedly attacked four airline staff during boarding. SpiceJet has filed an FIR and demanded action.
BY PC Bureau
August 3, 2025: – A senior Army officer allegedly fractured the jaw of one SpiceJet ground staff and knocked another unconscious during a dispute over excess cabin baggage at Srinagar airport on July 26. The altercation, which took place during boarding for flight SG-386 to Delhi, has sparked widespread outrage after graphic details and videos emerged online.
According to SpiceJet, the officer, identified as a Lieutenant Colonel posted at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, was carrying 16 kg of cabin baggage—more than double the 7 kg allowance. When he was requested to pay an excess baggage fee, he reportedly became aggressive, bypassed security protocols, and attempted to forcefully board the flight.
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
The situation escalated further after a CISF official escorted him back to the boarding gate. SpiceJet said the officer turned physically violent, attacking staff members without provocation. One employee collapsed on the floor and was allegedly kicked and beaten while unconscious. Another, who tried to help, was struck with such force that he sustained a jaw fracture and bled profusely from the nose and mouth.
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“In total, four employees were assaulted. One suffered a spinal fracture, another was left unconscious, and a third sustained a broken jaw from a kick,” said a senior airline official.
The airline condemned the “murderous” assault in a formal complaint and has lodged an FIR with local police. A no-fly ban is being initiated against the officer. SpiceJet has also submitted CCTV footage to authorities and written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation demanding urgent action.
“SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the airline said in its statement.
An Indian Army spokesperson confirmed the matter was under review: “This issue has come to the notice of the Indian Army, and we are awaiting the conclusion of the pending investigation.”
