An altercation aboard IndiGo flight 6E138 from Mumbai to Kolkata on Friday, August 1, 2025, has led to the airline banning a passenger for assaulting a fellow traveller mid-flight. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by authorities, with the added concern that the victim has since gone missing.
The victim, identified as Hussain Ahmed Majumdar from Assam’s Cachar district, reportedly suffered a panic attack during the flight. According to reports, Majumdar, in a state of distress, demanded to deboard the aircraft. As two cabin crew members assisted him in returning to his seat, a passenger seated in the aisle, identified as Hafijul Rahaman, suddenly slapped him.
The assault was recorded by another passenger, and the video quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
IndiGo stated on August 2, confirming that the accused, Hafijul Rahaman, has been banned from flying with the airline. “In line with our commitment to discourage such unruly behaviour onboard flights, the individual has been suspended from flying on any IndiGo flights, in accordance with regulatory provisions,” the airline said. “We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for all onboard. Thank you for your continued trust.”
Upon the flight’s arrival in Kolkata, security personnel detained Rahaman and handed him over to the local police for further investigation. Authorities are probing the circumstances leading to the assault, including whether any prior interaction between the two passengers contributed to the incident.
Adding a troubling layer to the case, Majumdar, the assaulted passenger, has been reported missing.
According to Times of India, Majumdar was expected to continue his journey from Kolkata to Silchar but never boarded the connecting flight. “When we didn’t find him on the Silchar flight, we contacted the local authorities and even went to Udharbond police station near the Silchar airport,” a relative of Majumdar told the outlet.
The disappearance has heightened concerns, and police in both Kolkata and Silchar are working to locate him.
IndiGo has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behaviour, emphasising its commitment to passenger safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Hussain Ahmed Majumdar’s whereabouts to come forward.
