Srinagar Airport Turns Violent: Army Officer Attacks SpiceJet Crew Over Baggage Dispute, Four Seriously Hurt

National News: A routine check at Srinagar Airport spiraled into chaos on July 26 when a senior Indian Army officer allegedly assaulted several SpiceJet ground staff during an argument about extra cabin baggage. The confrontation ended brutally: four airline employees were injured, including one with a fractured spine and another with a broken jaw. A third staffer began bleeding heavily, while a fourth collapsed unconscious—but was allegedly kicked repeatedly even after losing consciousness.

What triggered the clash?

SpiceJet flight SG‑386 was preparing to depart from Srinagar for Delhi when the officer, later identified as Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, reached the boarding gate carrying two cabin bags weighing a total of 16 kg— more than double the permitted limit of 7 kg. Airline employees politely informed him about the weight restrictions and requested payment for the extra luggage. The officer refused to pay and, according to reports, forced his way into the aerobridge without completing the boarding process — an act that violated airport security rules.

I hope all retired Army officers will agitate & demand for strong action against this Army officer just the way they do if any of their officer is beaten up by anyone

This is horrendous behaviour @adgpipic.twitter.com/KAjKXUXNf5

— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 3, 2025

Assault on SpiceJet staff

Eyewitnesses say the situation escalated rapidly:

• The officer allegedly grabbed a metal queue stand and swung it at staff members.
• He punched and kicked multiple employees, causing serious injuries:
• One employee’s spine was fractured,
• another’s jaw was broken,
• and a third suffered heavy bleeding from the nose.
• A fourth staffer collapsed unconscious on the floor but was reportedly kicked even after being incapacitated.

CISF intervenes— but the officer resists

A CISF security personnel rushed to contain the situation. However, the officer allegedly shoved the guard aside, spreading further panic across the boarding area.

Police case filed, officer grounded

• Local police registered an FIR in connection with the incident, though no arrest has been made yet.
• SpiceJet confirmed that the officer has been placed on the no‑fly list with immediate effect.
• The airline also notified the Ministry of Civil Aviation, sharing CCTV footage and demanding firm disciplinary action.

Army responds

The Indian Army released a statement acknowledging the incident and promised that both legal and departmental measures would be taken against Lt. Col. Singh. This shocking case has raised serious concerns about the safety of airline ground staff and airport security practices, sparking calls for swift accountability from both civil aviation authorities and the military establishment.

The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on 26 July has come to the notice of the Indian Army. The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct, and takes all allegations…

— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2025