A violent altercation at Srinagar International Airport has led to police registering two FIRs after a senior Army officer allegedly assaulted multiple SpiceJet employees last week. The incident, which occurred on July 26, left four airline staff members seriously injured – including one with a spinal fracture and another with a fractured jaw. The officer, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh from the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, reportedly became violent during a dispute over excess cabin baggage.
The confrontation began when Singh attempted to board SpiceJet flight SG-386 to Delhi with 16 kg of cabin luggage, more than twice the permitted 7 kg limit. According to airline officials, when asked to pay the excess baggage fee, Singh refused and tried to bypass boarding procedures. CISF personnel escorted him back to the gate area, where he allegedly launched a physical attack on ground staff. Disturbing CCTV footage circulating online shows the officer using a queue stand as a weapon against employees.
SpiceJet has described the incident as a “murderous assault” in its police complaint, detailing how one employee lost consciousness after being repeatedly kicked while on the ground. The airline has submitted the CCTV evidence to authorities and written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action including placing Singh on the national no-fly list. In response to the allegations, Lt Col Singh has filed a counter-complaint claiming he was provoked and harassed by airline staff.
The Indian Army has acknowledged the incident and stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation. A defense spokesperson in Srinagar emphasized the Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct while allowing the legal process to take its course. The case has drawn attention to growing concerns about passenger aggression and airline handling of disputes, particularly regarding baggage regulations. Local authorities continue to investigate both versions of events as the legal proceedings move forward.
Source : The Kashmiriyat News
