Army Officer Assaults SpiceJet Employees at Srinagar Airport Over Baggage Row
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 03 Aug 2025
A Shocking Breakdown at Srinagar Airport
In a disturbing turn of events, a senior Army officer allegedly assaulted four employees of SpiceJet at Srinagar International Airport on July 26, 2025, following a heated altercation over excess cabin baggage.
The incident occurred at the boarding gate for SpiceJet flight SG-386 to Delhi, and has since gone viral, prompting national outrage and official responses from both the airline and the Indian Army.
The Trigger: Excess Baggage Dispute
According to official statements by SpiceJet, the officer was found carrying 16 kilograms of cabin baggage, well over the permitted 7 kg allowance.
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When requested to pay for the excess weight, he refused outright.
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He then allegedly forced his way into the aerobridge, violating aviation security protocols.
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CISF personnel intervened and escorted him back to the boarding area.
That’s when things escalated violently.
Brutal Assault on Airline Staff
Multiple eyewitnesses and viral video footage confirm the officer physically attacked four ground staff members using fists, kicks, and even a metal queue stand.
Reported Injuries:
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One staff member collapsed unconscious, only to be further assaulted while down.
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Another employee suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth.
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Two others sustained serious injuries, including spinal fractures and a damaged jaw.
Medical teams on site provided emergency aid before victims were transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Viral Video Sparks Nationwide Outrage
Clips of the altercation, showing a man in a red T-shirt—allegedly the officer—punching, kicking, and chasing staff, have circulated widely on social media. The footage also shows bystanders attempting to restrain the assailant amid chaotic scenes at the boarding gate.
“This is not just assault—it’s terrorism against frontline service staff,” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Hashtags like #SpiceJetAssault, #SrinagarAirport, and #ArmyAccountability began trending within hours.
Legal and Institutional Response
FIR Filed
The Jammu & Kashmir Police have registered an FIR under multiple sections, including those related to voluntarily causing grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and obstruction of public service.
Airline’s Response
SpiceJet has:
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Called for immediate prosecution of the accused.
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Initiated action to place the officer on the national no-fly list.
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Reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward violence against staff.
Army Statement
The Indian Army, in a measured statement, confirmed that it is cooperating fully with civilian authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and accountability.
“An internal inquiry is underway. We do not condone indiscipline of any form.”
Bigger Questions: Safety, Power, and Accountability
This incident has triggered larger conversations about the power dynamics between civilians and armed forces personnel in public spaces. More specifically, it raises critical concerns about:
Aviation Security:
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How was the officer able to breach security protocol and enter the aerobridge?
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Why wasn’t CISF intervention sufficient to de-escalate the situation?
Employee Safety:
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Are frontline airline workers adequately protected from aggression?
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What support systems exist for trauma recovery and legal assistance?
Civil-Military Conduct:
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Should military officers be subject to stricter oversight in civilian areas?
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How can institutions ensure uniform standards of behavior, regardless of rank?
Not the First, Not the Last?
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. There have been previous reports—both in India and abroad—of VIPs and uniformed personnel flouting aviation rules, sometimes even resorting to intimidation or violence.
While most armed forces personnel remain respectful of protocol, incidents like these risk tarnishing the reputation of the entire institution and further strain civil-military relations.
The Road Ahead: From Outrage to Reform
For real change, stakeholders must move beyond outrage and toward policy action:
Recommendations:
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Mandatory anger management & protocol training for officers flying commercial.
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Dedicated aviation conduct guidelines for all personnel in uniform.
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Panic buttons and body cams for airline ground staff in high-risk zones.
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Fast-track prosecution of violence against airline employees.
Final Word
This isn’t just about excess baggage—it’s about entitlement, violence, and institutional response. As India seeks to modernize its airports and improve service standards, no one—not even those in uniform—should be above the law.
