On the morning of Saturday, August 17, a disruptive incident occurred at Pune’s Lohgaon Airport involving a female passenger on an IndiGo Airlines flight bound for Delhi. The altercation, which began during the boarding process, led to the woman being forcibly removed from the aircraft.
The disturbance started at approximately 7.45 am, as passengers were preparing to board IndiGo flight 6E 5261. According to reports, the woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, initially engaged in a violent confrontation with two fellow passengers. This altercation reportedly involved physical aggression, with the woman assaulting the passengers who were seated in their designated places.
As the situation grew increasingly chaotic, flight crew members intervened in an attempt to manage the conflict. Recognizing the escalating nature of the incident, the crew summoned two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constables, Priyanka Reddy and Sonika Pal, for assistance. Their role was to ensure that the disturbance was contained and to maintain order at the boarding gate.
Upon their arrival, the CISF officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, the woman allegedly continued her aggressive behavior, leading to a physical altercation with Constable Priyanka Reddy. Reports indicate that the woman slapped Constable Reddy and subsequently bit her hand during the confrontation. Despite the assault, the CISF personnel managed to subdue the woman and, with the assistance of their colleagues, removed her and her husband from the aircraft.
The woman’s husband, who was accompanying her, was also removed from the flight. Following their removal from the aircraft, the couple was handed over to the airport police for further action. The incident caused significant disruption and delay to the flight’s departure.
In response to the incident, a case has been filed under Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This section addresses intentional insults or provocations that are likely to cause a breach of peace and public tranquility. The case underscores the serious nature of the offence, highlighting the legal consequences of such disruptive behavior in a public setting.
This incident at Pune’s Lohgaon Airport is reminiscent of another recent event where a woman was deboarded from an Akasa Air flight bound for Mumbai. In that case, the woman was removed from the flight for misbehaving with the crew and other passengers. Both incidents reflect a concerning trend of disruptive behavior in aviation settings, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to conduct codes and the enforcement of appropriate legal measures.
The removal of passengers for disruptive behavior has broader implications for airline operations and passenger safety. Such incidents not only cause delays but also place additional strain on airline staff and security personnel. The necessity for swift and decisive action by both airline and security staff is crucial in maintaining order and ensuring that all passengers can travel safely and without incident.
The incident involving the woman at Pune’s Lohgaon Airport highlights the challenges faced by airlines and security personnel in managing passenger behavior. The legal proceedings under Section 504 of the IPC will determine the consequences for the woman’s actions, and the case will serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining civility and respect in public spaces, particularly in sensitive environments like airports.