Army Officer Charged With “Murderous Assault” at Srinagar Airport

SRINAGAR: A senior Army officer has been charged with “murderous assault” after allegedly assaulting four SpiceJet ground staff members during a violent altercation over excess cabin baggage at Srinagar International Airport last week, police and airline officials confirmed, according to multiple media reports.

The incident occurred when the officer, carrying two cabin bags weighing a total of 16 kg—more than double the 7 kg limit—refused to pay excess baggage fees. According to a SpiceJet statement cited by NDTV, he then forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing mandatory boarding procedures, violating aviation protocol.

CISF personnel intercepted the officer and brought him back to the boarding gate, where the situation escalated. He allegedly attacked four airline employees. One staffer suffered a spinal fracture, another sustained severe jaw injuries, and two others were also injured.

“One SpiceJet employee collapsed unconscious, but the passenger continued kicking and hitting him,” a spokesperson said. “Another staffer, who bent down to help, was kicked in the jaw, causing bleeding from the nose and mouth.” All injured staff were hospitalized and are currently under treatment.

SpiceJet condemned the incident as a “grave act of violence” and confirmed that it has filed an FIR at the Humhama Police Station. The airline also said it is working to place the officer on India’s no-fly list and has informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting strict action, as per Hindustan Times report.

A senior police official confirmed that a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder, has been registered. An investigation is ongoing, with eyewitness statements and CCTV footage being reviewed.

Meanwhile, the Army has reportedly taken cognizance of the matter and initiated further proceedings related to the matter.