A deeply unsettling episode at Srinagar International Airport on July 26, 2025, has triggered nationwide outrage, heated public discourse, and a wave of divided opinions. The altercation—described by some as a “murderous assault” and by others as a case of institutional harassment—involved Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh of the Indian Army and four SpiceJet ground staff members. The incident has since snowballed into a multifaceted controversy, raising pressing questions about airline protocol, military conduct, and media responsibility.

The Incident: What SpiceJet Claims Happened

According to SpiceJet, the confrontation unfolded during the boarding process for Flight SG-386 from Srinagar to Delhi. The airline claims that Lieutenant Colonel Singh attempted to board the aircraft with two cabin bags weighing a combined 16 kg, more than double the permitted 7 kg limit.

When informed of the excess baggage and politely asked to pay the applicable charges, the officer allegedly refused, bypassed boarding formalities, and forcefully entered the aerobridge—a serious violation of aviation security protocols. He was escorted back to the boarding gate by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official.

At the gate, SpiceJet alleges that Singh turned physically aggressive, attacking four staff members with punches, repeated kicks, and even a metal queue stand. One SpiceJet employee reportedly collapsed unconscious, only to be further kicked while on the floor. Another suffered severe facial injuries, including bleeding from the nose and mouth. One staff member sustained a spinal fracture, while another is recovering from serious jaw injuries.

CCTV footage of the incident, since made public, appears to corroborate parts of the airline’s version, showing an individual in civilian clothes striking staff with an object at the gate. The airline has also claimed that the employee injuries were so serious that they had to be treated at the Bone and Joint Hospital and later referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.

The Army’s Response: Commitment to Discipline and Cooperation

Shortly after the incident, the Indian Army issued an official statement confirming its awareness of the situation and emphasising its intention to fully cooperate with the authorities.

“The matter involving an alleged altercation between an Army personnel and airline staff at Srinagar Airport has come to the notice of the Indian Army. The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct, and takes all allegations seriously,” the statement read.

While the Army has not publicly confirmed any internal disciplinary action, it has left the door open, stating that any follow-up steps would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Legal Action: FIRs Filed from Both Sides

The Jammu & Kashmir Police have registered two separate FIRs: one based on the complaint by SpiceJet and another from Lt. Col. Singh himself.

• The FIR filed by SpiceJet invokes serious charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections:

  • 115(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt

  • 351(2) – Criminal intimidation

  • 131 – Criminal assault or force

• Singh’s FIR alleges harassment and mistreatment, claiming he was provoked and prevented from boarding, leading him to miss a flight he was taking while on urgent family leave.

SpiceJet has reportedly secured CCTV footage and handed it over to the police. The airline is also initiating proceedings to place Lt. Col. Singh on the civil aviation no-fly list, and has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation demanding strict action.

A man in uniform kicked a SpiceJet employee till he bled from the nose.
Broke another’s spine.
Because he didn’t want to pay for excess luggage.

And some still say “respect the uniform”?

The Army stands for discipline, not domination.

Violence is violence No matter the… pic.twitter.com/RHUuaMKSWi— Rishi (@rishikapoor07) August 3, 2025

The Eyewitness Account: A Contradictory Version Emerges

As media coverage of the event intensified—with much of it echoing SpiceJet’s version—a witness present at the scene came forward on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), offering a dramatically different narrative.

“It is truly disturbing to see how certain media platforms are publishing one-sided stories without any real investigation,” the eyewitness wrote.

According to the witness:

• Singh arrived alone, carrying only a single cabin bag weighing 8–9 kg, which was already cleared at the check-in counter.

• He had no check-in luggage, and was traveling on short, urgent family leave.

• Trouble began only at the boarding gate, where 4–5 SpiceJet staff allegedly surrounded and confronted him aggressively.

• Despite explaining his situation and even removing items from his bag, the staff were dismissive and allegedly mocked him.

• When Singh asked to speak to a senior officer, the request was denied. The boarding gate was then abruptly closed, escalating tensions further.

“He was surrounded and clearly rattled. Any suggestion that he attacked them is exaggerated at best, if not entirely false,” the witness claimed.

Further raising eyebrows, the eyewitness questioned the timing and legitimacy of the staff’s medical complaints, suggesting their injuries appeared suspiciously timed and potentially orchestrated to build a case. The account ended with a passionate plea for fair reporting, slamming what was described as “corporate spin and selective narrative-building.”

Msg from an eye witness regarding Spicejet & Lt Col controversy

*It is truly disturbing to see how biased and irresponsible certain media platforms can be publishing one sided narratives without any real investigation or attempt to understand the full story.

1/12@ajaykraina pic.twitter.com/rbuuK76VK5— Defence News Of INDIA (@DefenceNewsOfIN) August 3, 2025

CISF and Police Stand Neutral — For Now

The CISF, tasked with airport security, confirmed that its personnel intervened swiftly, prevented further escalation, and ensured that flight operations were not disrupted.

The Jammu & Kashmir Police have yet to issue a comprehensive public briefing on the investigation's progress, but both FIRs have been formally registered and the CCTV footage has been collected as evidence.

Meanwhile, family members of the injured staff expressed frustration and disbelief that the Army officer was allowed to leave Srinagar soon after the incident.

Public Reaction: Divided Opinions and Institutional Sensitivities

The incident has quickly spiraled into a high-voltage media and public debate, with three starkly different narratives emerging:

• SpiceJet's version, citing severe injuries and violent assault.

• The Army’s response, emphasizing discipline and cooperation but not confirming guilt.

• The eyewitness account, alleging mistreatment of the officer and slamming biased media reporting.

What has emerged is not just a dispute over an airport scuffle, but a much larger conversation about power dynamics, truth in the age of virality, and the trust deficit between institutions and the public.

What's Next? Awaiting a Transparent, Fair Investigation

As investigations proceed, one thing remains crystal clear: this story is far from over.

The authorities, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, law enforcement, and Army command, now face the task of untangling fact from spin, accountability from accusation, and justice from speculation.

Until then, both SpiceJet employees recovering from their injuries and a decorated Army officer facing serious allegations await closure.

In a nation where both the military uniform and the aviation workforce are symbols of service and discipline, an incident like this demands not just outrage or blind support—but due process, fair journalism, and transparent justice.

Let facts—not assumptions, headlines, or emotional bias—have the final say.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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