New Delhi, Dec 30 (UNI) The Delhi Police has arrested the Air India Express pilot who was accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi airport on December 19, an official said on Tuesday.
According to the police, the pilot, identified as Captain Virender Sejwal, was not on duty at the time of the incident.
The incident came to public attention after Ankit Dewan, the victim, shared a photograph on social media showing injuries to his face.
Dewan alleged that Sejwal assaulted him in front of his seven-year-old daughter, leaving her traumatised.
Initially, Sejwal was detained by the police for questioning following an inquiry on Monday.
Subsequently, after gathering evidence from the airport and security agencies and interrogating him, the police arrested Sejwal.
Police said that last week they contacted airport authorities, obtained CCTV footage of the alleged assault, and sent Dewan for a medical examination, which revealed a nasal fracture, bruising, and other injuries.
Airport security personnel, who were the first to intervene, were also called in to record their statements.
Deputy Police Commissioner Vichitra Veer confirmed that they have already recorded Dewan’s statement.
Dewan said the family was directed to use the staff security check area because they were travelling with their four-month-old baby.
It was further alleged by him that the staff members were cutting ahead of him in the queue, and when he objected, Sejwal, who was also doing the same, questioned whether he was uneducated and unable to read the signs indicating that the entry was meant for staff.
Air India Express suspended Sejwal as police received two cross-complaints in connection with the incident.
In his complaint, Sejwal alleged that Dewan initiated the altercation by verbally abusing him without provocation and using abusive, degrading, and threatening language. He also claimed that he sustained multiple injuries.
Sejwal was booked under Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Further investigation into this case is ongoing by the police, the DCP stated in his statement.
