A routine flight check turned into a scene of chaos at Srinagar airport when a senior Army officer allegedly lashed out at SpiceJet staff, leaving four employees injured and shaken. What started with a dispute over overweight cabin baggage ended in punches, kicks, and a spinal fracture for one staff member, a shocking moment that left bystanders stunned and quickly spread across social media.
The incident happened on 26 July 2025, at the boarding gate for SpiceJet flight SG-386 bound for Delhi. The officer allegedly grew aggressive after being informed that his cabin baggage, which reportedly weighed 16 kg — more than double the permitted limit of 7 kg — could not be carried onboard without paying the excess baggage fee.
Despite being asked politely to pay the charges, the passenger refused and allegedly forced his way onto the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, violating aviation security rules. He was then escorted back to the gate by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official.
At the gate, tensions escalated. The passenger reportedly launched into a violent attack, punching and kicking four SpiceJet staff members. According to the airline, one employee fainted and fell to the floor, but the passenger continued assaulting him, while another staff member who tried to help was kicked so forcefully that he started bleeding from the nose and mouth.
A video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, showing a man in an orange t-shirt striking airline staff before being restrained by CISF personnel. The CISF confirmed that their team intervened promptly to control the situation.
“The injured employees were rushed to hospital and remain under treatment for the grievous injuries sustained,” SpiceJet said in a statement. “The passenger grievously assaulted four SpiceJet employees… Our staff members suffered a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries after being attacked with punches, repeated kicks and a queue stand.”
The airline has filed an FIR with local police and has begun the process of placing the passenger on the no-fly list in line with civil aviation regulations. SpiceJet also wrote to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, describing the incident as a “murderous assault” and requesting strict action.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has acknowledged the incident, stating it has taken cognisance and is fully supporting the ongoing civil investigation.
Sources have identified the accused as a Lieutenant Colonel currently posted at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked fresh debate about passenger behaviour, aviation security, and the conduct expected from serving officers in public spaces.