Army Reacts After Officer Assaults SpiceJet Staffer, Vows Action

The Indian Army on Saturday stated that it is awaiting the outcome of an investigation into a violent altercation involving one of its personnel and several SpiceJet ground staff at Srinagar airport. The incident, which occurred on July 26, gained nationwide attention after disturbing video footage surfaced on social media on August 3.

In its official response, the Army said, “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously.”

A separate statement from Army headquarters added, “The Indian Army is fully committed to maintaining discipline and mutual respect in all civil spaces across the country.”

According to SpiceJet, the altercation occurred at the boarding gate for flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi and was sparked by a dispute over excess baggage. The airline alleged that a senior Army officer physically assaulted four of its employees.

“One staff member sustained a spinal fracture, while another suffered severe injuries to the jaw. The employees were attacked with punches, repeated kicks, and a queue stand. One of them collapsed unconscious but continued to be kicked by the accused. Another staffer bled from the nose and mouth after being kicked in the face while trying to help a colleague,” the airline said in a statement.

All four employees were hospitalised and are currently under medical care.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage following the circulation of video footage showing a man, believed to be the Army officer, violently striking staff members with a queue stand as others attempted to intervene.

The accused officer has reportedly been booked on charges of “murderous assault.”

In response to growing public scrutiny, the Army reiterated its cooperation with civil authorities: “The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on 26 July 2025 has come to the notice of the Indian Army. The Indian Army is committed to uphold the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities in investigating the case.”