Facts are being misrepresented in Delhi airport incident: Pilot Sejwal’s lawyer
On Friday, Air India Express pilot Sejwal, who was off duty at the time, had an argument with passenger Ankit Dewan. The latter had mentioned the incident and posted photos on social media in the evening of the same day.
Air India Express suspended the pilot pending investigation.
Sejwal’s lawyer Sonali Karwasra Joon said in a statement on Sunday that the distorted portrayal on social media was based on a one-sided, incomplete misrepresentation of facts.
“Ankit Dewan selectively presented facts to create a false narrative, falsely implied a professional conflict and attempted to sensationalize an unresolved matter.
“The harshest language was used against Captain Sejwal and absolutely unimaginable threats were made to the female members of his family, including a child,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the incident between the two passengers was resolved at the airport in the presence of CISF officials. “Both parties ‘signed a voluntary statement’ confirming that they do not wish to pursue any legal action.”
The lawyer also said that Sejwal has full confidence in the authorities that he will not be denied justice and that the incident will be handled impartially, taking into account all the facts and without oppressive narratives on social media.
“This personal incident has no connection with his employer or professional duties. Any attempt to associate the name of the company is unwarranted and appears merely intended to attract social media attention about an otherwise resolved personal issue,” the lawyer said.
On Friday, Dewan said in a post on
Air India Express said on Friday that it was aware of an incident at Delhi airport in which an employee traveling as a passenger on another airline fought with another passenger.
“We absolutely condemn such behavior. The employee concerned has been suspended from official duties with immediate effect pending the investigation.
“Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the airline said.
On Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said it had taken the incident seriously and instructed the airline to withdraw the pilot from the flight with immediate effect.
“A formal investigation has been ordered. Detailed reports have been requested from BCAS and CISF,” the ministry said in a post on X in response to a Dewan post. he said.
