Muslim man slapped on IndiGo flight from Kolkata- Mumbai

August 1, 2025 by News Desk

A Muslim man experiencing a panic attack aboard an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata was slapped by a fellow passenger in a shocking display of insensitivity, triggering outrage and raising concerns about rising intolerance in public spaces.

The incident, captured on video by another flyer, shows the man visibly distressed as two cabin crew members try to assist him. As they help him toward the exit, a co-passenger seated on the aisle suddenly gets up and slaps him.

“Sir, please don’t do this,” one of the flight attendants is heard pleading. The person recording the incident questioned the assault: “Why did you hit him?” The attacker responded, “We are facing problems because of him.”

Another passenger intervened, saying, “Yes, we are all facing issues, but that doesn’t mean you hit him,” before requesting water for the man, who continued to struggle with his panic.

The man who was slapped has been identified as Muslim, prompting concern among civil society groups who say the incident reflects growing social hostility and a lack of empathy toward visibly Muslim individuals in vulnerable situations.

In a statement, IndiGo condemned the violence, “We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable. The individual was identified as unruly and handed over to security authorities upon arrival.”

The airline also confirmed that the pilot requested the aggressor’s removal from the aircraft, and that all regulatory bodies had been informed.

Rights activists online demanded accountability and deeper introspection. “A man has a panic attack, and instead of receiving support, he is physically assaulted—while visibly Muslim. This cannot be brushed off as a one-off,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

The victim was safely escorted off the flight and is believed to be recovering.