Passenger Arrested in Mumbai for Smoking Beedi Onboard Delhi-Mumbai Flight

Mumbai/Delhi, 6th March 2024: A 42-year-old passenger aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Mumbai faced arrest by Mumbai Police on Tuesday for smoking a beedi (cigarette) inside the aircraft’s restroom, as reported by news agency PTI. The incident prompted swift action from the flight crew, who detected the distinct scent and promptly intervened, restraining the passenger. Upon the flight’s arrival at Mumbai airport, the individual was handed over to the police.

Following a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the passenger had indeed smoked the beedi in the restroom. Subsequently, a case was filed against them under section 336 of the IPC and Aircraft Act. The accused is currently in judicial custody, as confirmed by law enforcement.

This incident bears similarities to a previous occurrence in August of the preceding year when a male passenger was apprehended for smoking inside the restroom of a Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight from Dubai. The vigilant flight crew, detecting the strong odour, initiated a thorough search, leading to the discovery of a partially burnt cigarette. The passenger was questioned and reported to Mumbai’s Sahara police station upon landing, resulting in the registration of a case under Section 336 of the IPC and Section 25 of the Aircraft Rules.

In March 2023, another incident took place at Bengaluru airport, where a passenger was apprehended for smoking on an IndiGo flight from Kolkata. The discovery of a cigarette in the dustbin led to her arrest, and a case was filed for endangering the lives and safety of fellow passengers.