Indian army officer booked for assaulting airline staff at Srinagar Airport

An Indian army officer has been booked for allegedly assaulting four airline staff members at Srinagar Airport in Indian-occupied Kashmir, following a dispute over excess baggage charges, according to Indian media reports.

The incident occurred on July 26 when the officer, identified by The Hindu as a lieutenant colonel, was scheduled to fly from Srinagar to Delhi.

Reports by The Times of India state that the officer was carrying cabin luggage exceeding the allowed limit of 7kg, prompting SpiceJet staff to request payment for the excess. The officer allegedly refused and forcibly proceeded to board the aerobridge without completing check-in formalities.

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official escorted him back to the gate, where the situation reportedly escalated. The officer is accused of physically assaulting four SpiceJet staff members using punches, kicks, and even a queue stand. One employee fainted during the altercation but was allegedly still being assaulted while unconscious. Another staffer reportedly suffered jaw injuries and severe bleeding.

According to the airline, the victims sustained serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and facial trauma, and were hospitalized. SpiceJet has since filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Budgam police and submitted CCTV footage of the incident to the authorities. The airline has also written to India’s aviation ministry and initiated procedures to place the officer on a no-fly list.

The Indian Army, in a statement, acknowledged the incident and said it is cooperating with the investigation, adding that it is committed to maintaining high standards of discipline and conduct.