A Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army has been booked by Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly launching a “murderous assault” on SpiceJet ground staff at Srinagar airport on July 26, after refusing to pay excess baggage charges. The incident, captured on CCTV, left one staffer with a fractured spine and another with a broken jaw. He also reportedly kicked an unconscious employee.
The officer, identified as Lt. Col. Ritesh Kumar Singh, is currently posted at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg. A First Information Report has been registered at Budgam Police Station under Sections 115(2), 126(2), 351(2), and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to officials, the altercation took place at Boarding Gate No. 2, just before the departure of SpiceJet Flight SG-386 to Delhi. The officer was carrying 16 kg of cabin baggage-well over the 7 kg allowance—and refused to pay the excess fee. He forcefully entered the aerobridge, violating security procedures. After being escorted back by CISF personnel, he turned violent and physically assaulted four staff members.
Brutal physical assault. (SpiceJet)
“The passenger launched a grievous assault on our staff, punching and repeatedly kicking them, and even using a queue stand as a weapon,” SpiceJet said in a statement. One employee collapsed and lost consciousness but continued to be kicked, while another sustained severe facial injuries, including a fractured jaw, after being struck while trying to assist his colleague, the airline added.
The attack left ground staff with serious injuries, including a spinal fracture and multiple facial wounds. Medical teams responded promptly, providing first aid before shifting the injured personnel to a hospital for specialised treatment.
SHOCKING “MURDEROUS” Assault on SpiceJet Staffers at Srinagar Airport
Passenger attacks 4 SpiceJet Staffers with whatever he cud get hold off— 2 grievously injured. Jaw & Spine injured.
July 26th incident, FIR Filed
Pax – allegedly an army officer – put on NO FLY List 1/2 pic.twitter.com/g79eiuSy3P
— Amit Bhardwaj (@tweets_amit) August 3, 2025
CCTV footage corroborates the airline’s account, clearly showing the Army officer violently attacking the employees at the boarding gate.
The Army assured full cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
SpiceJet has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action over what it described as a “murderous assault” on its ground staff by an Army officer. “We strongly condemn any act of violence against our employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the airline said in a statement. In line with DGCA guidelines, it has also initiated the process to place the passenger on the no-fly list.
The Indian Army acknowledged the incident in a statement issued on Sunday evening. “The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on 26 July has come to the notice of the Indian Army,” it said. Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and accountability, the Army added: “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct, and takes all allegations seriously.” It further assured that it would extend “full cooperation to the authorities in investigating the case.”
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An FIR has been registered with the local police, and SpiceJet has initiated the process to place the passenger on the no-fly list in accordance with civil aviation regulations. The airline has formally written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, informing them of the “murderous assault” on its staff and requesting appropriate action against the accused. Additionally, CCTV footage of the incident has been obtained from airport authorities and submitted to the police as evidence.
“SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” a spokesperson said.
The Indian Army also issued a statement regarding the incident, saying: “The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport on July 26, 2025, has come to the notice of the Indian Army. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct, and take all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities in the ongoing investigation.”
