GURUGRAM— A trainee pilot at IndiGo Airlines (6E) has filed a serious complaint alleging caste-based abuse by fellow employees in the workplace. The incident reportedly occurred during his training period, with multiple allegations of verbal insults and workplace discrimination.
Sharan Kumar, the complainant, alleges that senior colleagues used derogatory language aimed at his caste background, including remarks that he was unfit to fly and should “go back and stitch slippers.” A police case has been registered under laws protecting Scheduled Castes.
Photo: Mumbai Planes | Siddh DhuriIndiGo Pilot Alleges Discrimination
According to the official police complaint, Sharan Kumar, a trainee pilot at IndiGo Airlines, was subjected to repeated casteist slurs by three colleagues—Tapas Dey, Manish Sahani, and Rahul Patil.
The alleged verbal abuse took place at IndiGo’s training facility in Gurugram, near Delhi Airport (DEL).
Kumar’s father, Ashok Kumar, filed the complaint on his behalf, citing multiple offensive statements made in front of other employees. These included remarks such as “you are not fit to fly an aircraft” and “go back and stitch slippers,” a reference to caste-based occupational stereotypes.
One of the accused reportedly said, “You’re not even worthy to lick my shoe,” directly attacking the pilot’s caste identity.
These statements, according to the complaint, were designed to demean and exclude Sharan Kumar from professional opportunities.
The language used allegedly violated multiple provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as well as relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Photo: IndiGo AirlinesClaims of Retaliatory Workplace Actions
In addition to the verbal abuse, Kumar reported systematic workplace discrimination. He was allegedly forced into corrective training despite having no performance issues. Further claims include:
- Unwarranted salary deductions and denial of legitimate sick leave
- Revocation of staff travel privileges and ACM (Additional Crew Member) access
- A warning letter issued without supporting documentation
- Continuous psychological pressure to resign
These actions, according to the complaint, appear retaliatory in nature and contributed to a hostile work environment.
Photo: Bhavya Velani, Aviation A2ZLack of Internal Action
Sharan Kumar had escalated his concerns to IndiGo’s CEO and the airline’s Ethics Committee.
However, as per the complaint, no disciplinary action was taken against the accused, and the discriminatory behavior continued unchecked.
The Gurugram police have initiated an investigation into the complaint. Legal proceedings are ongoing under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the BNS, with authorities examining evidence and recording statements.
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The post IndiGo Trainee Pilot Alleges Caste Abuse by Colleagues appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
