The off-duty Air India Express pilot, accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi airport on Friday, has issued a statement rejecting media reports, saying
they have "misrepresented a personal incident" as a "pilot versus passenger" dispute. A law firm representing Captain Virender Sejwal said the passenger, Ankit Dewan, has given a "one-sided and incomplete presentation of facts" and claimed that Sejwal was himself assaulted and subjected to "casteist" remarks. "Mr. Ankit Dewan has selectively presented facts to create a false narrative, wrongly implying a professional conflict and attempting to sensationalise a settled issue, Whereas casteist remarks were made against Capt Sejwal, and absolutely unfathomable threats were made to female members of his family including a child," it said, TOI reported. The statement said that Sejwal was travelling as a passenger at the time, was not on flight duty, and that the incident had no connection whatsoever with his professional responsibilities. It claimed that Ankit Dewan initiated the confrontation by verbally abusing the pilot without provocation and "continued using abusive, degrading and threatening language even after being asked to stop". The situation then escalated into a physical altercation in which Sejwal was also hurt and sustained injuries during the scuffle. "CISF personnel intervened promptly, repeatedly told Mr. Dewan to calm down and stop abusing, yet he refused to relent and continued his misconduct in their presence," it said.
'Attempt to associate Air India solely aimed at gaining social media attention': Pilot
The statement further claimed that the incident was resolved in the presence of CISF officials, and both sides "voluntarily signed a statement" confirming that they did not wish to pursue any legal action, contrary to "misleading" claims that there was any coercion or pressure involved.
"The CISF has publicly confirmed on 'X' that their officers acted promptly, offered the gentlemen the opportunity to file formal complaints, and that it was voluntarily declined. Allegations of any force or bias against CISF are incorrect and unfounded," it added.
The pilot has also slammed attempts to associate Air India Express with the incident, saying attempts to associate the company's name are "unwarranted" and appear aimed solely at "gaining social media attention" on an otherwise settled personal issue.
Also Read: ‘Hit Me in Front of My Baby’: Flyer Recounts Assault By Air India Express Pilot At Delhi Airport | EXCLUSIVE
"Capt Sejwal has full faith in authorities that he will not be denied justice and the incident will be looked at impartially considering all facts and without the overbearing social media narrative. Capt. Sejwal requests that the media and public rely only on verified facts and refrain from circulating one-sided or misleading content that may harm reputations or distort true facts," it added.
Last week, the passenger, Ankit Dewan, shared his experience in a social media post along with a photo showing blood on his face. Dewan alleged that Air India Express captain Virender Sejwal allegedly assaulted him physically at Terminal 1 (T1) of the Delhi airport, and his seven-year-old daughter, who saw the assault, is still traumatised and scared.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident.
