AI Express pilot denies allegations; alleges casteist abuse, threats to family

Dewan, however, alleged that the altercation began when he was travelling with his family, including his four-month-old daughter in a stroller, and was directed by airport staff to use the staff and PRM security check queue. He claimed that Captain Sejwal objected to his presence there and made derogatory remarks.“The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Capt. Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn’t read the signs that said this entry was for staff. A verbal scuffle broke out,” Dewan said in a post on X.Dewan later alleged that he was “forced” to sign a letter stating that he would not pursue the matter further.“It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakhs holiday bookings down the drain,” he said.Rejecting this claim, Captain Sejwal’s statement said the matter was resolved voluntarily in the presence of CISF officials.“Both parties ‘voluntarily signed a statement’ confirming that they did not wish to pursue any legal action. Contrary to misleading claims, Mr. Ankit Dewan signed willingly, there was no coercion or pressure involved,” it said.“The CISF has publicly confirmed on ‘X’ that their officers acted promptly, offered the gentlemen the opportunity to file formal complaints, and that it was voluntarily declined. Allegations of any force or bias against CISF are incorrect and unfounded,” the statement added.The pilot also objected to the incident being linked to Air India Express.“This personal incident has no connection whatsoever with his employer or professional duties. Attempts to associate the company’s name are unwarranted and appear aimed solely at gaining social media attention on an otherwise settled personal issue,” the statement said.Meanwhile, Air India Express said it has suspended Captain Sejwal and served him a show-cause notice seeking an explanation.



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