Authorities in Kashmir have launched a criminal investigation against an Indian Army officer, Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, following a violent altercation at Srinagar Airport. The officer is accused of assaulting SpiceJet ground staff after a dispute over excess baggage charges.

The incident, which occurred on July 26, went viral over the weekend after CCTV and mobile footage emerged online, showing the officer striking an airline employee with a metal stand. According to SpiceJet, the altercation left one staff member with a spinal fracture and serious jaw injuries.

Airline Details Sequence of Events

In an official statement, SpiceJet said the confrontation began when Colonel Singh was preparing to board a flight to Delhi and was found carrying cabin luggage that exceeded the permitted weight limit by double. When asked to pay for the excess baggage, he allegedly refused and attempted to bypass protocol by entering the aerobridge without completing the boarding process.

As staff escorted him back to the boarding gate, he reportedly turned aggressive. The airline claims he physically assaulted four members of their ground staff. Footage shared on social media shows the officer attacking an employee with a metal stand while others try to restrain him. A policeman can be seen intervening to separate him from the crew.

The airline further alleged that one employee lost consciousness and collapsed on the floor, but Singh continued to kick and hit him. Another staff member reportedly suffered facial injuries, including bleeding from the nose and mouth, after being kicked in the jaw.

Army and Police Respond

The Indian Army acknowledged the incident and stated that it is conducting an internal inquiry. “The Indian Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and conduct and takes all allegations seriously,” its public relations office said.

Police in Kashmir have registered a case against Colonel Singh for criminal assault and intimidation. Simultaneously, Singh has filed a counter-complaint, alleging that SpiceJet staff harassed and assaulted him.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Colonel Singh, in a statement to The Indian Express, denied the assault allegations and claimed he was provoked by airline staff. His complaint accuses SpiceJet personnel of using force against him. SpiceJet says it has submitted CCTV footage of the incident to law enforcement authorities and has begun the process of placing Colonel Singh on the national no-fly list.

Wider Implications

The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for strict action against the accused while also demanding a fair probe into the officer’s claims of provocation. The case raises fresh concerns about the safety of airline ground staff and the need for stringent enforcement of airport conduct protocols, regardless of the passenger’s status or position. The investigation is ongoing, and both the army and civil authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.