FIR against Army officer for assaulting SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport over excess baggage, 4 hospitalised

NEW DELHI: An FIR has been filed against an Army officer posted in north Kashmir for allegedly assaulting and wounding four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport on July 26 after being asked to pay for carrying excess cabin baggage on Flight SG 386 to New Delhi. The wounds included a spinal fracture and serious jaw trauma, the airline said Sunday.

The officer from High-Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg unleashed what the airline called a “murderous assault” after refusing to pay the fee. The airline said he was carrying “two pieces of cabin baggage weighing a total of 16kg” — more than double the 7kg limit.

He allegedly forced his way into the aerobridge without completing boarding formalities — a violation of aviation security protocols — and was escorted back by a CISF officer. At the gate, he turned violent.

A video of the attack — showing the officer in jeans and a T-shirt kicking, punching, and hitting staff with a queue stand — has gone viral.

“One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious on the floor but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the fainted employee,” the airline said. “Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while bending down to assist the colleague who had fainted.”

The four staffers were rushed to Bone and Joint Hospital and later referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.

Police registered an FIR based on the airline’s complaint. CCTV footage was secured from airport authorities and submitted to police. SpiceJet also started the process to place the officer — whose name and rank hasn’t been made public — on the no-fly list. “SpiceJet will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” a spokesperson said.

Sources claimed the officer was traveling on emergency leave, mistreated by staff, and missed his flight. “He, too, has filed an FIR,” a source said.

According to the Army, the case is under investigation. “Based on the outcome, further course of action will be decided,” it said.

The defence PRO in Srinagar said: “Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities in investigating the case.”

Relatives of the wounded airline staff expressed outrage. “We trusted the system and didn’t approach the media immediately. But we were shocked he was allowed to leave Srinagar the very next day,” one said Sunday.

J&K police have not issued a formal statement. CISF said it “intervened promptly, managed the situation and ensured no disruption to flight operations”.

SpiceJet has written to civil aviation ministry seeking action and urging a regulatory response.

According to DGCA rules, the assault qualifies as Level 2 (physical abuse) and potentially Level 3 — life-threatening behaviour. A Level 2 offence can lead to a six-month flying ban. Level 3 carries a penalty of two years or more, with no upper limit.