A passenger who slapped a co-traveller experiencing a panic attack onboard IndiGo flight 6E-138 from Mumbai to Kolkata has been banned from flying with the airline. The incident, recorded on video, quickly went viral across social media, sparking public debate on in-flight passenger safety and mental health protocols in India.
The Indigo flight passenger slapped a fellow traveller, identified as Hossain Ahmed Majumdar, while cabin crew were attempting to assist him during a medical emergency. Majumdar, a hotel worker from Cachar district in Assam, was having a panic attack mid-air when the assault occurred in the aisle of the aircraft. The attacker, identified as Hafijul Rahman, later told others that the victim was “creating a problem for him.”
Upon landing at Kolkata Airport, the Indigo flight passenger, Rahman, who slapped the fellow passenger, was detained by airport security and handed over to local police. He was later released. IndiGo Airlines confirmed that Rahman has been placed on its no-fly list, barring him from travelling on any future IndiGo flights.
Following the incident, Majumdar did not board his connecting flight to Silchar. His family, unaware of the incident, arrived at the airport to receive him but discovered he was missing. A missing persons report was filed, and Majumdar was eventually located at Barpeta Railway Station in Assam. He had taken a train instead of continuing by air. Family members reported that he appeared weak and disoriented.
As of now, IndiGo has not confirmed the exact duration of the flight ban or whether legal action will be pursued. The incident has become a focal point in the ongoing conversation about airline accountability and passenger safety controversies in South Asia.