Passenger Allegedly Tampers With Emergency Exit Mechanism on IndiGo Delhi-Pune Flight; Police Register Case

Following the incident, an IndiGo crew member filed a complaint against the passenger, prompting the Airport Police to register a case and begin an investigation.

The passenger has been identified as Gaurav Satyendra Rautela, 33, a resident of Saswad in Pune district. He was travelling on IndiGo flight 6E6884 and was seated at 19D, next to the emergency exit.

Passenger Claims He Acted Out of Curiosity

Senior Police Inspector Govind Pawar of the Airport Police Station said preliminary questioning indicated that Rautela claimed to have touched the lever cover out of curiosity, allegedly unaware of its connection to the aircraft's emergency exit mechanism.

An alarm was activated as soon as he touched the cover, alerting the flight crew.

Pawar said interference with an emergency exit mechanism could compromise the safety of everyone onboard. He added that the aircraft's alarm system is designed to alert crew members to potential interference with safety equipment.

Incident Reported Shortly After Take-Off

The incident took place at approximately 12.45 a.m. on Monday, shortly after the aircraft departed from Delhi. The flight landed in Pune at around 2 a.m.

Following the incident, IndiGo crew member Omkar Vinod Kulkarni lodged a police complaint against Rautela.

Pawar also referred to a similar incident reported in 2024, following which police had registered a case.

Case Registered Under BNS and Aircraft Act

Police have issued Rautela a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

A case has also been registered under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Aircraft Act.

Further investigation is underway.