"Army Officer Allegedly Prevents Assistance from SpiceJet Employee"
In a shocking incident that took place at Srinagar Airport on July 26, 2025, Lt Col Ritesh Kumar Singh, an army officer posted in Gulmarg, Kashmir, allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet employees. The assault, which occurred at the boarding gate of SpiceJet flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi, was due to a dispute over excess baggage[1][3].
The violent attack included punches, kicks, and the use of a queue stand as a weapon, resulting in grievous injuries such as a spinal fracture and a broken jaw for the staffers[1][2][3]. A viral video showed the officer striking the staff repeatedly, with one employee collapsing unconscious but still being attacked[1][2]. The injured employees were hospitalized and remain under treatment[2][3].
The incident gained widespread attention, and a formal FIR has been registered against Lt Col Ritesh Kumar Singh by Jammu & Kashmir police following SpiceJet's complaint. A counter FIR has also been filed by the officer[3][4]. The Indian Army has issued statements affirming its commitment to discipline and cooperation with the authorities investigating the case, stating it is "awaiting the outcome of an investigation" and is extending full cooperation[1][3].
SpiceJet has requested action against the officer, including placing him on their no-fly list, and has informed the Civil Aviation Ministry about the "murderous assault"[2]. The investigation is currently ongoing, with both civilian police and military authorities involved[1][3].
The staff member who was assaulted was performing his duty at the boarding gate when the incident occurred. The army officer became aggressive when the staff member informed him about the baggage rules, and the officer slapped and punched the staff member multiple times[2]. The passenger, later identified as Ritesh Kumar Singh, attacked the SpiceJet employees with repeated punches, kicks, and even a queue stand[1].
The staff member sustained injuries and fainted during the incident. He has two fractures on his back and has been advised bed rest[2]. The injured employees were rushed to the hospital and remain under treatment for their grievous injuries[2][3]. SpiceJet initiated the process to put the passenger on their no-fly list[2].
Sources:
- NDTV
- The Hindu
- Hindustan Times
- The Indian Express
The violent incident at Srinagar Airport, involving Lt Col Ritesh Kumar Singh, has prompted a formal FIR by the Jammu & Kashmir police and a counter FIR by the officer himself. The incident, which has been widely covered in general-news sources, occurred at a SpiceJet boarding gate and involved a dispute over excess baggage. The assault resulted in grievous injuries, including spinal fractures and broken jaws, and the incident has also been a point of contention in the politics of crime-and-justice, as the Indian Army is extending full cooperation with the investigation while SpiceJet has requested action against the officer, including placement on their no-fly list.
