Police register FIR against Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad for assaulting AI staffer

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police today registered an FIR against Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, acting on a complaint filed by Air India alleging that the legislator assaulted a staff member on a flight yesterday.
"A case has been registered under section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person) of the IPC. We are transferring the case to Crime Branch for thorough probe," Delhi Police spokesperson Dependra Pathak said.
Meanwhile, the MP submitted a complaint to Delhi Police alleging that he was made to travel in an economy class seat by Air India, even when he had a business class ticket, ANI reported.
In his complaint, Gaikwad further alleged that he was abused, yelled at and pushed by the airline staff.
The lawmaker created a furore yesterday over reports that he hit 62-year-old Air India duty manager Sukumar with his slippers after he was asked to disembark from the plane. Gaikwad later confirmed that he assaulted the employee, defiantly stating that he did not tolerate being insulted, and refused to issue an apology.
"I will not apologise...he (AI duty manager Sukumar) should come and apologise... then we will see. A 60-year-old man should also know how to behave," he said.
Air India has filed two complaints against the MP, while the Shiv Sena has sought an explanation from him.
Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) and Air India have decided to ban Gaikwad from flying on its flights.
Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told reporters on Friday that action would be taken and that lawmakers are not above the law.