Sena MP hits Air India staff 25 times with slippers
The MP had hit the staff 25 times for allegedly 'misbehaving with him' and raising his voice with him.
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday admitted that he hit an Air India staff with slipper “25 times” over an issue with business class seating.
“Yes, I beat him as he misbehaved with me. I hit the Air India staff 25 times” Gaikwad said, adding that the staff “raised his voice” and said “What MP? I will talk to Modi”.
"Do you expect me to hear their abuses quietly? What should have I done? He first misbehaved with me," Gaikwad told ANI. “I won’t take abuses from anyone. I am a Shiv Sena MP, not BJP,” he added.
He further said that he had filed a complaint regarding the seating arrangement but nobody was there to answer the problem, adding that he had take such an action.
"I will complain about this misbehaviour in the Parliament. They can complain whoever they want to, I will give my answer," he said.
Meanwhile, the Air India staff, Sukumar, who was hit by Gaikwad said that the MP broke his glasses, used bad words and humiliated him in front of the entire crew.
"When I told him what he (Gaikwad) is asking isn't possible, he became abusive and started using foul language. God save our country if this is the culture and behaviour of our MPs," the Air India staff said.
Meanwhile, Air India has stated that an FIR has been lodged and that they are examining the creation of a no-fly list of unruly passengers.
Gaikwad was travelling from Pune to New Delhi when the scuffle broke out over the sitting arrangement.
The MP claimed that his ticket was for business class but Air India provided him economy class.
An Air India spokesperson said a team has been constituted to probe the entire incident.
Reacting to the incident, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, "No political party will encourage physical assault. It should never have happened."