A passenger slapped mid-flight during a panic attack on a journey from Mumbai to Kolkata on Friday was located after going missing for over a day. Hossain Ahmed Majumder, who was expected to board a connecting flight to Silchar, Assam, was found Saturday evening at a train station in Barpeta, Assam, after his family lost contact with him.
Majumder was reportedly experiencing a panic attack mid-flight when another passenger, identified as Hafijul Rahaman, slapped him, claiming Majumder was “causing trouble.” The incident occurred while the cabin crew was attempting to assist Majumder. Upon landing in Kolkata, Rahaman was handed over to Bidhannagar police by airport security after being flagged as an unruly passenger by IndiGo staff. He was later released pending further investigation.
Instead of taking his scheduled Kolkata-Silchar flight, Majumder opted to travel by train, leading to a frantic search by his family, who were waiting to receive him in Silchar. The reason for his decision to avoid calls and change travel plans remains unclear.
IndiGo Airlines has imposed a 30-day ban on Rahaman from all its flights, pending an inquiry. The airline stated that a further decision will be made under the provisions of the no-fly list for unruly passengers. Other airlines may also choose to bar Rahaman, and a national no-fly list placement is possible following the probe and legal proceedings.
The Bidhannagar police confirmed receiving a complaint from IndiGo about a “heated altercation” between the two passengers. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
