Indigo Trainee Pilot Accuses Three Senior Officials of Casteist Slurs and Abuse
Indigo Airlines Controversy: Indigo Airlines is once again embroiled in controversy. A trainee pilot has accused three senior officials of caste discrimination and using abusive language. The complainant pilot has filed an FIR against the officials under the SC/ST Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The airline has yet to issue an official response.
Zero FIR Filed in Bengaluru
The incident began on April 28, 2025, when the trainee pilot was summoned to a meeting at Indigo's Gurugram headquarters. The pilot alleges that three senior officials—Tapas Dey, Manish Sahni, and Captain Rahul Patil—used abusive language and made casteist remarks during the meeting. Initially, a zero FIR was filed in Bengaluru, later transferred to the DLF Phase-1 police station in Gurugram.
Humiliation Under the Guise of a Meeting
The pilot alleges that the meeting was deliberately designed to humiliate them. Upon arrival, the pilot was instructed to leave their phone and bag outside. The three officials then allegedly told the pilot, "You are not fit to fly a plane; go and mend slippers. You are not even worthy of being a watchman.”
No Help from Senior Company Officials or Ethics Committee
The pilot initially raised the matter with senior company officials and the ethics committee, but their complaint was not taken seriously. Ultimately, they had to contact the National Scheduled Caste Commission (SC/ST Cell) and pursue legal action.
Sections in the FIR and Legal Proceedings
The FIR has been filed against the officials under various sections of the SC/ST Act and the Indian Penal Code. According to police sources, all allegations are under investigation, and statements from the accused are being recorded. The complainant has reportedly submitted evidence of the events to the relevant authorities and investigating agencies.
