A fellow traveler slapped Hussain Ahmed Majumdar after he had a panic attack on a Mumbai-Kolkata flight.

Mumbai/Kolkata, July 31, 2025 — In a shocking case of in-flight insensitivity, Hussain Ahmed Majumdar, a 32-year-old man traveling from Mumbai to Kolkata, was slapped by a fellow passenger after suffering a panic attack mid-air. The incident led to a disturbing series of events, culminating in Hussain being reported missing for over 18 hours before being found in a fragile state at a railway station in Kolkata.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage over the lack of mental health awareness among passengers and the urgent need for airline crew training in handling psychological emergencies onboard.
The Flight: From Panic to Assault
On July 30, graphic designer Hussain Ahmed Majumdar of Kolkata boarded IndiGo flight 6E-572, which was leaving from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.slapped About 45 minutes into the flight, eyewitnesses say Majumdar appeared agitated and was visibly panicking, reportedly gasping for air and clutching his seat.
“People around him noticed he was breathing heavily. He kept asking for water and was trying to get out of his seat,” said a co-passenger seated nearby.
A male co-passenger seated behind Majumdar allegedly struck him in the face as cabin workers approached him to offer assistance, telling him to “cool down and stop making a scene.” The sudden assault caused further distress, and Majumdar reportedly fell silent for the rest of the flight, showing signs of shock and trauma.
Airline Response Under Scrutiny
Upon landing in Kolkata, Hussain refused wheelchair assistance, walked out of the terminal on his own, and disappeared from contact. Family members who had been waiting to receive him at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport were alarmed when he failed to appear at the arrivals gate.
IndiGo issued a brief statement:
“On flight 6E-572, we are aware of an incident involving a worried passenger .Our crew followed safety protocols. We are reviewing the behavior of other passengers and remain committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all flyers.”
However, critics argue the airline staff failed to protect a vulnerable passenger or offer appropriate post-landing support.
18 Hours Missing: Family Files Police Report
Majumdar’s phone was found switched off, prompting his brother, Imran Majumdar, to file a missing person report at Kolkata Airport Police Station around 11:30 PM. “We spoke to him before he boarded. He sounded normal. We never imagined this would happen,” Imran told local reporters.
The family also launched a social media campaign with Hussain’s photo, triggering a flurry of shares and support across Kolkata and beyond.
Found at Sealdah Station
On July 31, at approximately five in the morning, Hussain was found sitting by himself, looking unkempt and mentally distant by railway police at Sealdah Junction.He was taken to R.G. Kar Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a stress-induced breakdown likely compounded by in-flight trauma.
“He was scared to talk. He was dehydrated and emotionally shut down,” said a GRP official at the station.
Mental Health, Travel, and Stigma
The incident has raised serious concerns about how passengers — and airlines — respond to those exhibiting symptoms of anxiety disorders or panic attacks.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Namita Bose noted:
“A panic attack is a medical emergency. Slapping someone in that state is not just cruel, it’s dangerous. Airlines must train crew and raise awareness about these conditions.”
Passenger advocacy groups have also demanded that DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issue mandatory guidelines for crew behavior in psychiatric distress scenarios, along with procedures for fellow passengers to intervene appropriately or not at all.
Legal Action Likely
Majumdar’s family is now exploring legal options against the unidentified passenger who assaulted him and may also file a complaint against the airline for failing to offer mental health assistance.
“He could have died. He wasn’t okay, and instead of support, someone assaulted him. We want justice,” said his mother, Ayesha Majumdar.
So far, no arrests have been made. Police are reportedly reviewing CCTV footage and passenger manifests to identify the man who struck Hussain mid-air.
A Wake-Up Call
This distressing episode is more than an isolated incident — it’s a call to action. With millions flying every day, India’s aviation system must evolve to support not just physical safety, but also mental wellbeing. From pre-boarding disclosures to mid-air protocol, the system needs reform.
Hussain Ahmed Majumdar may have a long road to recovery.But his ordeal shines a necessary light on what too many still ignore: in the skies, empathy must fly first class.
Source: NDTV – Kolkata Passenger Slapped on Flight, Disappears, Found Hours Later at Railway Station
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