Flyers fight on Thai flight to Kolkata, BCAS launches probe

KOLKATA: A viral video clip of a passenger on board a Thai Smile flight being thrashed by at least three fellow flyers that went viral on Wednesday prompted the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to launch a suo motu inquiry into the incident on Thursday. In the evening, the agency filed a complaint with NSCBI Airport police station, which then initiated an investigation. The development also forced the Thai airline that had not reported the incident to authorities to issue an apology.
Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted Thursday night: "...a police complaint has been filed against those involved. Such behaviour is unacceptable."
In the 51-second video reportedly shot on the Kolkata-bound flight from Bangkok on December 26, several fliers are seen slapping a man after an altercation, with the airline crew struggling to intervene but stepping back as the situation turned extremely volatile. Other fliers watched the incident unfold with horror.
Sources said BCAS had asked the airline to submit a detailed report on the incident, identify the seat numbers of the passengers involved in the fracas and provide their names and addresses. Sources said the assailants and also possibly the person who was assaulted may have been 'carriers' who frequently fly between the cities carrying various types of goods like apparel, shoes and accessories.
Speaking to TOI, BCAS director general Zulfiquar Hasan said: "We have taken cognizance of the incident. This type of behaviour is unacceptable. A complaint has been filed with the NSCBI Airport police."
Kolkata airport sources said the brawl started after a passenger refused to adjust the reclined seat to upright position before take-off citing back pain when other passengers intervened and thrashed him.