An IndiGo flight (6E-2175) from Delhi to Goa became the epicentre of chaos and violence, as captured in a viral video depicting the physical assault of a co-pilot by a disgruntled passenger. The eyewitness to this disturbing incident, Evgenia Belskaia, a Russian model and actress, provided insights into the circumstances that precipitated the assault.
Belskaia, flying with her team to Goa, narrates a harrowing experience of misinformation and prolonged wait times. The initial delay of one hour extended to a perplexing 10-hour ordeal before boarding, creating a powder keg of discontent among passengers.
The flight, already delayed by a staggering 13 hours at Delhi airport, became a tinderbox of frustration among passengers. Belskaia, flying with her team to Goa, recounted the prolonged ordeal: "The IndiGo team was saying that the flight had been delayed by an hour. It went on for at least 10 hours until we were allowed to board the plane."
Upon boarding, passengers were informed of an additional two-hour delay, sparking understandable anger and a barrage of questions directed at the crew and the pilot. This delay, a catalyst for the escalating tension, sets the stage for the subsequent altercation.
Pilot's Blame Game
As the situation intensified, the pilot, in an unprecedented move, reportedly blamed the passengers for the delays. Evgenia Belskaia highlighted the pilot's assertion that the passenger's inquiries had caused them to miss their turn, further enraging an already agitated crowd.
"The pilot came and said you are asking too many questions and we missed our turn because of this."
The accusatory tone of the pilot added fuel to the simmering discontent among passengers.
Passenger Assaults Pilot on Delhi-Goa Flight Over Delay
The viral video, recorded by Belskaia, captures the moment when a passenger, identified as Sahil Kataria, physically assaults the flight's co-pilot, Anup Kumar. Clad in a yellow hoodie, Kataria rushed forward and struck Kumar while he was addressing the passengers about a further delay.
As the air hostesses attempted to restrain the unruly passenger, he could be heard saying to the pilot, "Nahi chalana toh mat chala, bol de (If you don't want to fly the plane, then don't)". A flight attendant intervenes, stating, "Sir, aap aisa nahi kar sakte (sir, you cannot do this)." In the video's conclusion, another passenger in a blue hoodie is seen attempting to calm the agitated individual.
Evgenia Belskaia condemned the act of physical assault but also expressed her view that the pilot's handling of the situation exacerbated tensions. She criticised the pilot for deflecting blame onto passengers, asserting that such actions only worsened the already strained atmosphere.
Take a look at the video here.
The Apology and Legal Consequences
Following the assault, Sahil Kataria later apologised to the pilot on the tarmac, but the co-pilot, Anup Kumar, refused to accept the apology, stating, "No sorry, you raised hands on me." The airline has initiated the process of filing an official case against the assailant, signalling potential legal repercussions.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed that the passenger had been detained following a complaint filed by IndiGo Airlines. The DCP assured that appropriate legal action would be taken against the accused.
IndiGo responded to the incident by establishing an internal committee to investigate the matter, as reported by Asian News International, citing airline officials. Potential actions, including placing the passenger on the 'no-fly list,' are reportedly being considered.
Internet Reacts
The incident shows the challenges faced by airline staff amid increased tensions and disruptions, emphasising the need for robust measures to address unruly behaviour on flights and ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. Numerous individuals on X, formerly known as Twitter, advocated for consequences against the unruly passenger, though some acknowledged the frustration expressed by passengers over the flight delays.
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