A heated altercation erupted thousands of feet in the air on a flight from Delhi to Lucknow, involving a sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Uttar Pradesh and a fellow passenger. The dispute, which began over the alleged use of offensive language, escalated quickly, leading to intervention and a subsequent police investigation.
The incident occurred on an Air India flight when Rakesh Pratap Singh, the MLA representing Gauriganj in Amethi, confronted passenger Samad Ali. Singh stated that Ali was speaking loudly on his phone, using inappropriate language.
Despite numerous requests from other travelers, the passenger reportedly continued his outburst. This prompted the MLA to step in, asserting that such derogatory remarks were unacceptable in any public setting.
“When I attempted to firmly address the issue, he responded with further disrespectful behavior towards me,” Mr. Singh recounted to reporters upon arrival in Lucknow.
As the situation deteriorated, cabin crew members were forced to separate the two individuals. Following their landing, Mr. Singh filed a formal complaint at Sarojininagar Police Station, resulting in an official First Information Report (FIR) and the initiation of a police inquiry.
“Our Constitution grants us freedom, but this freedom does not permit anyone to disrespect the dignity of others,” the lawmaker emphasized.
Samad Ali, identified as a resident of Rajjipur village in Fatehpur district, was subsequently taken into police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.