Ashok Gajapathi Raju: Indigo issue will be handed over to BCAS, if necessary

Terming the Indigo assault incident as "barbarous", Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Wednesday said the case will be handed over to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for further investigation, if necessary.

Speaking to media here, the Union Minister said, "We cannot go into who is right and who is wrong at this stage. Any violation has to be looked into. These kinds of barbarous things shouldn't be allowed. We have to find out who is at fault and action will be taken. If it's a prominent suspension or a long term suspension then we will hand it over to Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)".

Earlier in the day, Raju summoned all stakeholders in the assault issue.

The video of the incident, which took place on October 15, shows the duo thrashing and abusing each other. It also shows the airline staff holding the passenger down by the throat.

A passenger namely Rajeev Katiyal, who arrived from Chennai, was waiting for the coach bus when he engaged into an altercation with the IndiGo staff namely Jubi Thomas due to misunderstanding.

The passenger allegedly abused the staff following which they stopped Katiyal from boarding the bus, which was to take him to the terminal.

Also read: IndiGo write to Civil Aviation Minister on passenger assault

They then manhandled him and pinned him to the ground by his throat. 

-ANI