Srinagar: A senior Indian Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar Airport in a brutal attack over excess cabin baggage, leaving one with a broken spine and another with a fractured jaw. The incident occurred on July 26, but only came to light after CCTV footage surfaced this week.
The accused has been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, posted at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg. An FIR has been registered, though no arrests have been made so far. The Indian Army has initiated internal action, while SpiceJet has placed the officer on the no-fly list and submitted a complaint to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
What Happened
According to SpiceJet’s official statement, Lt. Col. Singh was scheduled to board flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi. He reportedly arrived at the boarding gate carrying two cabin bags weighing 16 kg, exceeding the airline’s 7 kg cabin baggage limit.
Upon being asked to pay for the extra weight, Singh allegedly refused and forcibly entered the aerobridge, violating security protocols. When staff attempted to intervene, the officer reportedly assaulted them using a queuing stand, and continued to punch and kick them repeatedly.
Brutal Assault Captured on Video
Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage confirm that one employee fell unconscious during the attack but was still kicked repeatedly by the accused. Another sustained a broken jaw, while a third employee suffered nosebleeds after being kicked in the face. All four injured staff members were hospitalized.
Even a CISF personnel who tried to restrain the officer was allegedly pushed away.
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
Airline Seeks Government Intervention
SpiceJet has submitted CCTV footage of the incident to airport authorities and the police. The airline has also sent a letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting strict action against the accused for the “life-threatening assault” on its employees.
Army, Civil Authorities Respond
The Indian Army stated that it has taken cognizance of the incident and assured disciplinary action. Meanwhile, civil aviation authorities have confirmed the officer’s name has been added to the no-fly list under standard procedure.
Investigations are ongoing.