August 3, 2025, Srinagar —
Army officer assault crew
In a troubling transgression at Srinagar International Airport, four SpiceJet ground employees were allegedly beaten by a senior Army commander on July 26 when they were checking in. for Flight SG‑386 to Delhi. The violence erupted when attendants informed the officer that his cabin luggage—totaling 16 kg—exceeded the permitted 7 kg limit and required an excess baggage fee
The assault turned violent rapidly. The officer reportedly returned to the boarding gate after being escorted by CISF personnel and physically attacked the staff with repeated punches, kicks, and even a queue stand .
Injuries & Staff Condition
SpiceJet confirmed that the injured employees were rushed to hospital. Among the four:
One staff member suffered a spinal fracture
Another sustained a broken jaw and bleeding nose
One collapsed unconscious after being kicked and beaten
Another bled internally after being kicked while trying to help the fallen colleague.
All remain under medical care in Srinagar, with injuries described as “grievous” by the airline .
Airline’s Response & Investigation
The Budgam police station has received a First Information Report (FIR) from SpiceJet. The airline has also initiated steps to place the passenger on a no-fly list in line with civil aviation .The airline conveyed the gravity of the assault in a written communication to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, demanding immediate action. They have handed over CCTV footage to law enforcement and vowed to pursue regulatory and legal recourse The Indian ExpressThe Economic Times.
Authorities Weigh In
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) confirmed that its personnel intervened to regain control and ensure flight operations continued without disruption.
The Indian Army has acknowledged the incident and stated it is reviewing internal discipline protocols, though no official statement has been released naming the accused officer.
Army officer assault crew/Army officer assault crew/Army officer assault crew/Army officer assault crew
Desk-Based Insight (5 Years Reporting Experience)
Based entirely on official statements and verified media sources, without court or field-based coverage, this incident highlights critical issues:
Security and protocol breakdown—a military officer bypassed procedures and escalated violence after being denied excess baggage.
Power dynamics at play—the incident underscores how even security-sensitive environments can be vulnerable to misconduct.
Importance of enforcing no-fly lists and investigative accountability even among servicemen.
Broader Concerns
Staff Safety: Repeated incidents underscore airline staff vulnerability during passenger disputes.
Accountability: The case raises important questions about whether uniformed personnel are subject to the same legal scrutiny as civilians.
- Enforcement of the Policy: It might lead the DGCA and military forces to improve the rules for uniformed passengers’ behavior
- Incident at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Offending Passenger | Senior Army Officer (identity under probe) |
| Incident Date & Location | July 26, Srinagar Int’l Airport |
| Flight | SpiceJet SG‑386 to Delhi |
| Baggage Weight | 16 kg (Limit: 7 kg) |
| Staff Injuries | 4 staff injured; spinal fracture, jaw broken |
| Action Taken | FIR lodged, CCTV submitted, no-fly process |
| Security Response | CISF intervened; Army reviewing conduct |
Conclusion & Looking Ahead
This brutal assault at Srinagar Airport over a routine baggage dispute crosses all lines of acceptable behavior—especially within aviation and military contexts. SpiceJet’s strong stance and industry protocols must lead to accountability and justice.
Moving forward, greater discipline and clear legislation are essential to prevent such incidents. Whether the officer faces suspension, legal charges, or formal inquiries remains under scrutiny. But one fact is clear: violence, especially against frontline staff, cannot be tolerated—even from uniformed individuals.
A shocking incident unfolded at Srinagar Airport when a senior Army officer brutally assaulted four SpiceJet staff members over an excess baggage dispute on July 26. The officer, enraged after being asked to pay for 16 kg of cabin luggage—well above the 7 kg limit—returned to the boarding gate and launched a violent attack using his fists and a queue stand. One staffer suffered a spinal fracture, another had a broken jaw, while others sustained internal injuries. SpiceJet has submitted CCTV evidence and made a formal complaint.The Army has acknowledged the incident, and further disciplinary action is expected soon.