Shocking Incident on IndiGo Mumbai-Kolkata Flight: Passenger Slapped During Panic Attack, Goes Missing; Police and Airline Respond

Viral Video Sparks Outrage, Highlights Need for Mental Health Sensitivity and Responsible Social Media

Mumbai / Kolkata, June 2024: A distressing video from IndiGo’s Mumbai-Kolkata flight recently went viral after it captured a passenger being slapped by another fellow traveler while experiencing a severe panic attack onboard. The footage, widely shared across social media, has ignited heated debates about society’s lack of empathy, passenger rights, and the urgent need for better mental health awareness in public settings.

The Incident: A Panicking Passenger and an Unjustified Assault

The incident took place as the IndiGo flight was preparing for takeoff at Mumbai Airport. As per eyewitness accounts and the viral video, one male passenger, later identified as Hussain Ahmed Mazumdar, began showing signs of extreme distress, walking restlessly in the aisle and repeatedly asking crew members to let him deboard the plane. The crew, recognizing the symptoms of a panic attack, tried to assist and calm him.

At this point, another passenger, who was seated nearby, shockingly slapped Hussain—apparently out of irritation or perceived inconvenience—rather than empathy. The force of the slap caused the already distressed Hussain to break down further, crying and wailing more loudly.

Other passengers and crew members immediately confronted the person who slapped Hussain. In the viral footage, voices can be heard strongly questioning the perpetrator: “Why did you hit him? What gave you the right to raise your hand?” They emphasize that feeling inconvenienced does not justify violence, especially toward someone experiencing a panic episode.

Social Media Outrage and Questions of Empathy

As the video quickly gained traction online, reactions ranged from outrage and disgust to concern for the victim’s well-being. Many users questioned how society had sunk to a point where a man in obvious distress was not only unsupported but also physically assaulted. “Instead of offering help to a person facing anxiety or panic, how can people resort to such cruelty?” asked one Twitter user.

The video prompted an important public discourse around mental health, passenger rights, and general social patience (or lack thereof) in India’s crowded urban life.

Airline and Security Response

According to official statements, as soon as the incident occurred, IndiGo crew members acted according to standard operating procedures. The crew separated the two passengers to prevent any further conflict and ensured calm on board.

Once the flight landed, IndiGo promptly handed over the assailant, later identified as Hafizur Rahman, to airport security agencies for further action. In its statement, the airline asserted:

“IndiGo is committed to the safety and respect of our passengers and crew. Unruly behaviour of any kind is strictly unacceptable. Such acts are condemned and we have handed the involved passenger to security agencies, as per protocol.”

The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards acts that compromise passenger safety or dignity, and stated that in keeping with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations, a ban or “no-fly” listing is under consideration for the offending individual.

Passenger Rights, NDNC, and “No-Fly” List Consequences

Aviation industry insiders pointed out that under India’s civil aviation norms, unruly passengers can be banned from flying for various periods, depending on the severity of their misconduct.

Reports suggest Hafizur Rahman may be included in the “no-fly” list, preventing him from traveling via air for a designated time. This step, once formally processed, would serve as a warning and deterrent for similar acts in the future.

Family’s Anguish and Hussain’s Missing Status

In a troubling development after the incident, Hussain Ahmed Mazumdar has reportedly gone missing. According to family members, Hussain was scheduled to take a connecting flight from Kolkata to Silchar. However, he failed to reach Silchar, and repeated attempts to contact him via phone were unsuccessful. His phone has been switched off, possibly left behind in Mumbai, and family members waiting at Silchar airport received no word.

Hussain’s family, including his father Mannan Mazumdar (who is also battling cancer), has lodged complaints with local police and airport authorities at both ends. In emotional interviews, they expressed that they have no information on Hussain’s current whereabouts and have criticized the airline and authorities for not communicating about Hussain’s mental health support or subsequent situation.

“He was coming home after working hard in Mumbai. Now we don’t know where he is,” his father said, adding that the family had not been informed about any medical attention provided following the panic attack or his release from custody.

Rumors and Social Media Misinformation

As the video spread, some tried to frame the incident in communal terms, alleging that a Hindu passenger had slapped a Muslim passenger. However, this narrative was quickly refuted.

Authorities and community watchdogs (including the NCIAB Headquarters) posted clarifications: both the perpetrator (Hafizur Rahman) and the victim (Hussain Ahmed Mazumdar) are Muslim. They urged the public not to give the incident a religious or communal color, calling the assault a tragic but non-communal episode.

Their statement read:

“Beware of anti-social elements trying to inject communal poison over this incident. Both parties in the IndiGo slap incident are from the Muslim community. It is wrong to communalize the event.”

Broader Social Reflections: Patience, Awareness, and Accountability

The incident has reignited discussion about society’s lack of patience and mental health awareness. While some passengers did intervene and confronted the aggressor, far too many failed to show basic empathy. Experts note that mental health crises, such as panic attacks, require a supportive environment—not violence or stigma.

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, a mental health expert in Mumbai, stated:

“This incident is a wake-up call for all of us. Airlines and the public alike must be trained to recognize and support passengers experiencing mental health issues. Physical violence must never be a response.”

Ongoing Investigation

The perpetrator of the assault remains in police custody pending further action and possible restrictions on his air travel privileges. Meanwhile, authorities are actively searching for Hussain and investigating whether his disappearance is directly linked to the trauma of the flight incident.

Conclusion

The IndiGo slap incident is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for compassion, mental health awareness, and accountability in public spaces. As investigations continue, the hope is that Hussain will be found safe, and society will collectively learn to respond to distress with support, not violence.