New Delhi: A shocking episode unfolded on an IndiGo Delhi-Goa flight on Sunday, where an enraged passenger, identified as Sahil Kataria, physically assaulted the flight’s co-captain, Anup Kumar. The distressing incident took place on the Airbus A20N, grounded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for over 10 hours due to adverse weather conditions, raising concerns about passenger safety during extended delays.
Kataria, displaying unprecedented aggression, charged from his seat in the last row, leaping over a food service trolley intended as a barrier, to physically assault Co-Captain Anup Kumar. The violent act occurred while Kumar was announcing a further delay in departure, adding a layer of tension to an already challenging situation. The disturbing scene was captured on video by a fellow passenger and quickly circulated on social media, prompting discussions about safety measures and passenger frustrations.
IndiGo crew members swiftly intervened to protect Kumar, and the cabin crew was seen vehemently remonstrating with Kataria, who defiantly questioned why he couldn’t act in such a manner. Kataria shouted, “Chalana hai to chala, nahi to khol gate… (If you’re going to fly, then fly… otherwise open the gate),” expressing his frustration over the prolonged delay.
The Airbus A20N, a short-medium range single-aisle jet based on the A-320 model, was originally scheduled to depart Delhi at 7.40 am. However, persistent adverse weather conditions, including dense fog at the IGI Airport, led to significant delays not only for this flight but for dozens of others. The broader issue of weather-related disruptions has been evident in the national capital region, with a cold wave and heavy fog causing multiple delays, cancellations, and diversions.
On the morning of the incident, at least 168 flights were delayed, and nearly 100 were canceled, further highlighting the challenges faced by airlines due to weather-related disruptions.
The delayed IndiGo flight eventually took off at 5.33 pm, almost 10 hours behind schedule. The flight to the Goa International Airport at Dabolim proceeded with a normal duration, landing at 7.58 pm after a flight time of 145 minutes, or around two-and-a-half hours.
Following the assault, Sahil Kataria was promptly taken into custody by the authorities. A police case has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including ‘voluntarily causing hurt’ and Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Sources have indicated that all charged sections are bailable.
The pilot, Anup Kumar, who lodged a complaint against Kataria, is not visible in the video footage but has taken the necessary legal steps to address the incident. The assault raises important questions about the safety of flight crew members and the potential consequences passengers may face for unruly behavior during flights.
Impact of Weather Conditions at Delhi Airport
Beyond the specific incident, this episode sheds light on the broader challenges posed by weather-related disruptions at the Delhi airport. Persistent heavy fog and adverse weather conditions have consistently affected visibility, leading to operational challenges for airlines. Passengers are reminded of the importance of understanding safety precautions taken by airlines during such circumstances.
This morning, the Delhi airport experienced further disruptions, with numerous flights delayed and canceled due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions. The incident involving Sahil Kataria serves as a reminder of the need for passengers to exercise patience and empathy during challenging travel situations.