Mumbai/Kolkata | August 4, 2025 —
A disturbing incident unfolded on board an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata when a male passenger was caught on video slapping another flyer who was reportedly experiencing a panic attack mid-air. The video of the incident has gone viral, drawing strong criticism from netizens and mental health advocates across the country.
The incident occurred on IndiGo flight 6E-6542, which took off from Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. Midway through the journey, a male passenger began showing visible signs of distress, reportedly due to a panic or anxiety attack. While he appeared to be struggling with breathing and disorientation, another co-passenger became irritated and proceeded to confront him aggressively.
Caught on Camera: Slap During a Mental Health Crisis
The entire confrontation was recorded by a fellow traveler seated a few rows behind. In the video, the victim is seen visibly panicked, trying to express that he is feeling unwell. The accused, standing in the aisle, appears agitated, shouting at the distressed man before slapping him forcefully across the face.
Crew members and fellow passengers intervened almost immediately, separating the two and asking the attacker to return to his seat. The man who was slapped was later comforted by flight attendants and moved to a less crowded part of the cabin.
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IndiGo Issues Statement, Passenger Offloaded and Banned
Following the widespread circulation of the video on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp, IndiGo Airlines issued an official statement confirming the incident and expressing regret over what transpired.
“We can confirm that a passenger onboard flight 6E-6542 from Mumbai to Kolkata on August 3 displayed unruly behavior toward another passenger who was in medical distress. The crew acted promptly to deescalate the situation. The accused was offloaded and handed over to CISF personnel upon arrival. He has been placed under a temporary no-fly status pending further investigation,” IndiGo said in its statement.
The airline also reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and stated that it does not tolerate any form of aggression or abuse onboard.
Victim Temporarily Unreachable, Later Found Safe
According to airport authorities in Kolkata, the man who suffered the panic attack initially exited the airport quickly upon landing and was unreachable for a few hours, leading to concern about his condition. He was later found to be safe and recovering at a private residence in Kolkata.
Sources indicate that he has chosen not to press formal charges at this time, but airport police have registered a non-cognizable complaint and initiated a preliminary inquiry.
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Mental Health Advocates React
The incident has sparked a fresh round of conversation on social media and among experts about how mental health emergencies are handled in public spaces, especially during air travel.
“This is not just a case of in-flight misbehavior; it is a blatant example of how people misunderstand and mistreat those going through mental health crises,” said Dr. Renu Nair, a Delhi-based clinical psychologist. “Panic attacks are real, terrifying experiences. Instead of helping, he was physically assaulted — which could have worsened the situation dangerously.”
Many users online called for mandatory mental health first-aid training for airline staff and increased public awareness about anxiety-related symptoms.
Legal Outlook
While the case is still under internal review, the accused passenger may be booked under provisions of the Aircraft Act and IPC sections pertaining to assault and endangering public safety.
CISF officials confirmed they have filed an incident report and are coordinating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airport authorities for next steps.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions—such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, sweating, and dizziness—even when there is no real danger or threat. It can be disabling and deeply frightening for the person experiencing it.
Experts advise remaining calm, offering space and reassurance, and avoiding loud or confrontational behavior when witnessing someone experiencing an episode.
Public Reactions
The incident trended under the hashtag #IndiGoSlapIncident with users demanding accountability and sensitivity:
- “Mental illness is not a crime. Slapping someone during a panic attack should be.” — @voiceofempathy
- “Kudos to the IndiGo crew for stepping in, but this should never have happened in the first place.” — @FlySafeIndia
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder that as public awareness around mental health grows, society must respond with empathy, not aggression. Airlines, public transport providers, and passengers alike must foster environments that are not only physically safe, but emotionally supportive for all.
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