Aviation expert Harshvardhan on Saturday condemned the assault of an engineer by an Air India pilot and called for immediate punitive action over the incident.
"This is a shameful incident. Their works reflects their character. There should be instant action, this is the main role of the management. Proper action should be taken against whoever is at fault. Both engineers and pilots are highly paid employees," said Harshvardhan.
"Whatever happened is not a good example for the country. Others should realize that such incidents should not be tolerated. Air lines are organizations with large number of employees. This is an individual incident and it should not characterize the general image of the airlines," he added.
Harshvardhan's response came shortly after the Air India pilot was reportedly derostered and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had sought an inquiry report on the incident, even as the union representing the engineers at the airport continue to demand justice.
The assaulted engineer has also reportedly filed an FIR against the pilot.
According to media reports, the incident took place in the cockpit of the Chennai to Delhi-to-Paris bound Air India 143 flight.
Reports said an argument broke out between the pilot of the aircraft and the concerned engineer after the flight was reportedly delayed for between four and four-and-a-half hours.
It is being said that the assault took place following arguments with about 25 to 30 passengers who reportedly wanted the Paris leg of the flight to take off later than its original scheduled time from Delhi because of the delay in take off from Chennai.
As of now, no reason is being given as to why the pilot assaulted the engineer.
At the time of the filing of this report, tension was prevailing at the airport.
