A senior Indian army officer, Lieutenant Colonel R.K. Singh, is under investigation for allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport on July 26. The incident occurred when Singh was asked to pay for excess cabin baggage weighing 9 kg above the permissible limit of 7 kg. According to SpiceJet, Singh refused to pay and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, prompting staff members to escort him back to the gate.
At the gate, Singh allegedly grew increasingly aggressive and physically assaulted four members of the SpiceJet ground staff, leaving one employee with a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries. A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Singh hitting one of the employees with a metal stand despite attempts by a security guard to intervene. The airline claims that one employee fell unconscious on the floor, but Singh continued kicking and hitting him. Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while trying to assist the injured colleague.
The Indian army has stated that it is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. “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 army’s public relations office said. “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously. Full cooperation is being extended to the authorities in investigating the case.”
Singh has denied the allegations, claiming that he was provoked by the staff. He has also filed a police complaint against SpiceJet staff for alleged assault. The police have registered a case against Singh for criminal intimidation and assault. SpiceJet has submitted the CCTV footage of the incident to the police and initiated the process of placing Singh on the no-fly list.
SpiceJet has strongly condemned the attack on its employees, stating that it will pursue the matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion. “SpiceJet strongly condemns any act of violence against its employees and will pursue this matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the airline said. The airline has also written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, appraising them of the incident and requesting appropriate action against Singh.