Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa on Friday dubbed the recent incident of Osmanabad MP Ravindra Gaikwad beating an Air India employee with his slipper as 'traumatic' and said this exposes the arrogance of the Shiv Sena.
Kalappa told ANI that the Shiv Sena leaders were involved in similar incidents in the past as well.
"This is one of the most traumatic incidents. We have also seen earlier cases where Shiv Sena MPs beat up a boy and fed him during Ramzan. I think their arrogance has peaked up," said Kalappa.
Meanwhile, all the airlines have banned Gaikwad from boarding their flights.
Earlier in the day, the MP from Osmanabad in downplayed reports suggesting that Air India is considering banning him from boarding its flights.
"I have the tickets, they can't blacklist me. I will board the Delhi-Pune Air India flight this evening. How can they not allow me?" he said.
Gaikwad also remained unapologetic about the incident and dared the Delhi Police to arrest him.
"I will not apologise. It was not my fault, it was his fault. He should apologise. First ask him to apologise then we will see," Gaikwad told the media.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has sought a report to determine the facts before he decides on what happens next for Gaikwad.
Air India Duty Manager Sukumar, who was assaulted by Gaikwad, today asserted that the elected representatives need to behave in a decent manner.
"I am not scared at all, either with Gaikwad or with the Shiv Sena. I have been serving public and have also faced many who get irritated on such issues. It's a common thing for me," he added.
Sukumar further said that he had requested Gaikwad to de-board the aircraft as cleaning staff had to complete their work following which he got angry.
"I had requested him (Gaikwad) to de-board the aircraft as the cleaning staff had to complete their work. On which he got furious and raised his hands," said Sukumar.
Earlier, the Centre also took cognizance of the incident and assured a thorough probe into the matter.
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