• Source:JND

Air India Express Pilot Row: The Air India Express pilot, Captain Virendra Sejwal, was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport a few days ago. An officer, on Tuesday, confirmed the development. Captain Sejwal's arrest came after he joined the probe and was questioned by the investigating officer.

The authorities, in a statement, said, "In the process of investigation, after the registration of the case, the relevant CCTV footage had been collected and statements recorded. The accused was also called for questioning, and his arrest was effected."

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The off-duty Air India Express pilot accused of assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport cooperated with the probe. Police his replies were being examined in light of the available evidence. A senior police officer said the investigation is being carried out strictly on merit and based on the evidence collected so far.

"Whatever information can be shared without hampering the process and outcome of the investigation will be made public," a senior police officer said.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had recorded the detailed statement of the complainant, Ankit Dewan, and begun collecting material evidence in connection with the alleged assault by the pilot at Terminal 1 of the airport.

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Police said Dewan was called to record his statement, collect evidence and undergo a medical examination. Further recording of statements of all relevant individuals and examination of material evidence are continuing, officials said. CCTV footage from multiple cameras installed in and around the security area of Terminal 1 is being collected and scrutinised to reconstruct the sequence of events, the police added.

Air India Express' Reaction

Air India Express regretted the incident, saying it was aware of the incident involving one of its employees and the accused pilot, who was travelling on another airline at the time, was removed from official duties with immediate effect pending an internal inquiry.

"The investigation is at a preliminary stage. CCTV footage from the terminal is being examined and other relevant evidence is being gathered," an officer had earlier said, adding that the accused would be questioned in due course.

What Is The Allegation Against Pilot?

Dewan, the victim filed a complaint, alleging on December 19 near the security checkpoint of Terminal 1, where he was physically assaulted by Sejwal, who was off duty at the time and travelling as a passenger. According to the complainant, the altercation began after he objected to some airline staff allegedly jumping the queue at the security checkpoint. Dewan alleged that the pilot abused and assaulted him in public view, causing injuries and traumatising his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the incident. A CT scan had confirmed a displaced fracture of his left nasal bone.

Sejwal has been booked under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with violence near the security checkpoint of Terminal 1 on December 19.

(With PTI inputs)


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