A distressing incident aboard an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata has gone viral after a man suffering a panic attack was slapped by a fellow passenger, prompting outrage and official action.
The altercation unfolded shortly after boarding when the affected passenger began displaying signs of anxiety. Two cabin crew members were seen assisting him to deboard the aircraft when a man seated on the aisle suddenly struck him, blaming the victim for causing discomfort to others. The incident was recorded by a fellow flyer, who can be heard rebuking the aggressor: “Why did you hit him?”
In the footage, a crew member pleads with the assailant, “Sir, please don’t do this.” Another passenger intervenes, saying, “Yes, all of us are facing issues, but that doesn’t mean you will hit him. He is having a panic attack. Please get him some water.”
IndiGo released a statement condemning the violent behaviour, calling it “completely unacceptable”, and confirming that the unruly passenger was offloaded and handed over to security authorities upon landing. The airline assured that Standard Operating Procedures were followed and that relevant agencies were informed.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about mental health awareness, compassion during emergencies, and zero tolerance for in-flight violence.