Alleged Attack on Army Officer and SpiceJet Employee due to Luggage Dispute
On the 26th of July, 2025, an unexpected incident unfolded at Srinagar airport during the boarding of SpiceJet flight SG-386 bound for Delhi. The dispute arose between Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, a senior Indian Army officer, and SpiceJet ground staff, resulting from a disagreement over excess cabin luggage.
Lt Col Singh attempted to board the flight with two pieces of cabin luggage weighing a total of 16 kilograms, significantly exceeding the 7 kg allowance set by the airline. When asked to pay for the extra weight, he refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the mandatory boarding process, which violated aviation security protocols.
The clash resulted in serious injuries to four SpiceJet employees. One staff member sustained a spinal fracture, another suffered severe jaw injuries including bleeding from the nose and mouth. A video shows Lt Col Singh kicking and hitting staff with a queue stand [1][3][4].
Initially, Lt Col Singh filed an FIR against SpiceJet, alleging mistreatment and claiming he was carrying only 8-9 kg luggage which had been checked in without issues, and that staff showed aggression first [1][2]. However, some eyewitness accounts and an unverified video hint that initial aggression might have come from staff members, adding complexity to the incident.
In response, SpiceJet banned Lt Col Singh from flying on their flights and initiated a no-fly listing process. The incident sparked a social media campaign, #BoycottSpiceJet, led by Indian Army veterans demanding accountability [1][3][4].
The Army has taken notice of the matter and is supporting the civil investigation. A police case has been filed against Lt Col Singh and the SpiceJet staffer he is accused of assaulting. The staff member who was kicked to the face was attempting to assist a colleague during the assault.
Under DGCA regulations, cabin luggage exceeding 7 kilograms incurs additional charges for domestic flights [5]. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to airline regulations for the safety and security of all passengers and staff.
References:
[1] The Hindu, "Army officer assaults SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport", 27th July 2025, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-officer-assaults-spicejet-staff-at-srinagar-airport/article35457975.ece
[2] NDTV, "Army officer assaults SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport", 27th July 2025, https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/army-officer-assaults-spicejet-staff-at-srinagar-airport-3061163
[3] India Today, "Army officer assaults SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport", 27th July 2025, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-officer-assaults-spicejet-staff-at-srinagar-airport-1826280-2025-07-27
[4] The Indian Express, "Army officer assaults SpiceJet staff at Srinagar airport", 27th July 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-officer-assaults-spicejet-staff-at-srinagar-airport-7952354/
[5] Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), "Carry-on Baggage Allowance", https://dgca.gov.in/carry-on-baggage-allowance
- The incident at Srinagar airport involving Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, a senior Indian Army officer, and SpiceJet ground staff, initially led to Lt Col Singh filing a general-news complaint against SpiceJet, escalating the politics of the situation.
- Amidst the ongoing clash between Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh and SpiceJet, the attack on SpiceJet employees has also spotlighted crime-and-justice concerns, with the assault on a staff member that was caught on video further fueling the debate.
