A disturbing incident aboard an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata has triggered widespread outrage on social media after a video emerged showing a man slapping a fellow passenger who appeared to be having a panic attack mid-flight, reported the Times of India.
The incident occurred on flight 6E-138 on Friday. In the now-viral video, a visibly distressed passenger is seen experiencing a panic attack while airline crew attend to him. Suddenly, another passenger slaps the distressed man instead of offering any help. Cabin crew intervened immediately, asking the aggressor to stop and attempting to comfort the shaken passenger. A co-passenger also confronted the attacker, questioning his violent behaviour.
IndiGo Airlines issued a statement describing the episode as “unfortunate” and confirmed that the individual responsible for the assault was deboarded and handed over to authorities upon arrival in Kolkata.
“We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we strongly condemn any actions that compromise the safety and dignity of our passengers and crew,” the airline said.
IndiGo further clarified that the crew acted in full compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), identifying the aggressor as “unruly” and notifying all relevant regulatory agencies.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism online, with many users terming it an example of communal hatred and lack of empathy. Activist Teesta Setalvad expressed her anger on X , calling the act “sick in the extreme,” and demanded legal action against the perpetrator. She praised the airline staff and fellow passengers who stood up against the aggressor.
Another user, @Gabbar0099, condemned the incident, calling it “extremely shameful,” and urged action against rising Islamophobia.
As the video continues to circulate, the call for justice and sensitivity in public spaces grows louder, with many urging airlines to take stronger measures against such behaviour.
