Indian-Origin Delta Co-Pilot Arrested After Plane Lands in San Francisco

A Delta Airlines co-pilot was arrested just 10 minutes after landing at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday around 7:05 am IST. The co-pilot, 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar, was taken into custody for charges related to child sexual abuse.

The arrest was made by officers from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department along with Homeland Security agents. They entered the cockpit shortly after Delta Flight 2809, a Boeing 757-300, arrived from Minneapolis. Passengers were still getting ready to leave the plane when the arrest happened, according to USA Today.

People on board said about 10 agents from Homeland Security came onto the aircraft right after it stopped at the gate and went straight to the cockpit to arrest the co-pilot.

Surprise Arrest in Front of Passengers

One passenger told the San Francisco Chronicle that the agents quickly moved through the aisle, flashing badges and wearing gear from different departments. They went into the cockpit and handcuffed Bhagwagar before taking him away.

Bhagwagar’s fellow pilot said he was shocked and did not know anything about the arrest in advance. Officials didn’t tell him about it beforehand because they didn’t want the co-pilot to be warned or try to escape before the arrest.

As per a Facebook post by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the investigation started in April 2025 after they got a complaint about a child sex abuse case. After checking the case, they received a special arrest warrant, known as a Ramey warrant, to take the suspect into custody.

Co-Pilot Faces Serious Charges and $5 Million Bail

The arrest of Bhagwagar happened after he was linked to a case involving five charges of oral sexual acts with a child younger than 10 years old. The alleged crime took place in April. He is now being held at the Martinez Detention Facility, and his bail has been set at $5 million. Delta Airlines released a statement to CBS News saying, “Delta has zero tolerance for illegal actions and will fully support law enforcement.” The airline also said it is shocked by the serious charges and has suspended Bhagwagar while an investigation is carried out.