4 SpiceJet Staff Injured in Assault by Army Officer After Baggage Dispute in Srinagar

Srinagar, India: A senior Army officer is facing legal action after allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet ground staff during a confrontation over excess baggage charges at Srinagar International Airport. The incident, which took place on July 26 during boarding for SpiceJet flight SG‑386 bound for New Delhi, has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted calls for stricter passenger conduct enforcement.

Police said the officer, identified as Lt Col Ritesh Kumar Singh, attempted to board the aircraft with two cabin bags weighing approximately 16 kg, more than double the permitted 7 kg hand baggage limit. When staff asked him to pay the mandatory excess baggage fee, he allegedly refused and attempted to bypass security protocols to access the aerobridge.

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intervened and escorted him back to the boarding gate. It was then, according to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage reviewed by authorities, that the officer allegedly lost his temper and physically attacked the airline personnel. He is accused of punching and kicking the staff members and even using a queue stand pole as a weapon.

The assault left one SpiceJet staff member with a suspected spinal fracture, another with a jaw injury resulting in bleeding from the mouth and nose, and two others with bruises and blunt trauma injuries. All four victims were immediately taken to hospital and remain under medical care. SpiceJet confirmed that its employees are receiving full medical support and legal assistance.

Two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed. The first, lodged by SpiceJet, accuses the officer of voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assault. The second, a counter-complaint by the officer, alleges that he was mishandled by airline staff. Investigators said statements from passengers, CISF officials, and airport personnel are being recorded, while CCTV footage has been secured as evidence.

So far, no arrest has been made, and police say they are closely examining all aspects of the incident. SpiceJet has condemned the attack, calling it completely unacceptable and deeply disturbing. The airline has also sought to place the accused officer on the DGCA’s no-fly list, a step usually reserved for unruly or violent passengers. According to The Indian Express, a senior SpiceJet official said, “Our staff were only following established safety and baggage handling rules when they were assaulted. We have taken up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and are cooperating with the authorities.”

The incident has reignited debate about passenger behavior and safety of airline employees, with several aviation unions calling for stronger enforcement of no‑fly list norms and immediate action in cases of violence against airline staff. The Airports Authority of India and DGCA are reportedly monitoring the case closely to determine regulatory action.