In another case of VVIP racism, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Wednesday hit an Air India staff member with his slipper because his seat was changed.
Gaikwad had booked a business class seat on a Pune to Delhi flight and was later informed about a change in the fleet, that resulted in his seat being converted to an economy seat.
“AI 852 coming from Pune arrived at 0950hrs had one incident with Mr Ravindra Gaikwad, MP Shiv Sena. It is learnt that he (Gaikwad) was annoyed due to non-availability of a business class seat and refused to de-board at IGI,” said a statement by AI.
Refusing to get out of the aircraft, Gaikwad created a massive ruckus. He then hit the duty manager twenty-five times with his slipper, as claimed by the MP himself.
“Haan maine usko maara tha,usne badtameezi ki thi (Yes, I hit him, he misbehaved),” said the Shiv Sena MP. “I hit him with my slipper 25 times. Did you hear the way he was speaking with me? I am from the Shiv Sena, I am not from the BJP to tolerate abuses.”
“I hit him with my slipper 25 times. Did you hear the way he was speaking with me? I am from the Shiv Sena, I am not from the BJP to tolerate abuses.”
A committee has now been set up to look into this matter and sources say that an FIR could also be filed in the incident.