By Sufiyan Khan 
Bengaluru Doctor Threatens to Crash Plane Over Cabin Bag Dispute, Arrested by Police
A shocking incident unfolded on Tuesday at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport when a Bengaluru doctor allegedly created panic aboard an Air India Express flight by threatening to crash the plane during a dispute over luggage space. The woman, identified as 36-year-old Dr. Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, was later arrested by authorities for endangering passenger safety and misbehaving with the airline staff.
Bengaluru Doctor Sparks Chaos on Air India Express Flight
According to reports, the Bengaluru doctor had boarded Air India Express flight IX2749, which was scheduled to depart for Surat, Gujarat, around 2:30 PM. She reportedly placed her cabin baggage in the first-row overhead compartment despite being assigned seat 20F further back in the aircraft. When the cabin crew asked her to move the bag closer to her assigned seat, the doctor refused and demanded that airline staff move it for her.
Despite repeated and polite requests from the crew—and even intervention by the pilot—the doctor allegedly grew agitated. She reportedly began shouting at crew members and fellow passengers who tried to reason with her. The situation escalated dramatically when she allegedly yelled, “I will crash this plane,” sending shockwaves among those on board.
Crew Takes Action After Bengaluru Doctor’s Threat
Realizing the seriousness of the threat, the pilot and crew immediately alerted airport security and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. The Bengaluru doctor was removed from the aircraft before takeoff to ensure the safety of other passengers. Authorities confirmed that her disruptive behavior posed a serious threat to the flight’s safety and led to a delay in departure.
Bengaluru Doctor Booked Under Aviation Safety and Criminal Laws
The woman, a resident of Shivanahalli near Yelahanka in Bengaluru, is now facing multiple legal charges. According to the FIR filed by the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) police, she has been booked under:
- Section 351(4): Criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 353(1)(b): Public mischief and alarming statements
- Section 3(1)(a) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act
These charges reflect the seriousness with which aviation authorities treat any act that potentially endangers the safety of passengers and crew on board.
Who Is the Bengaluru Doctor at the Center of the Controversy?
The Bengaluru doctor, reportedly an Ayurvedic practitioner, lives in the northern outskirts of the city and has no prior history of legal trouble, according to local police. However, this sudden outburst and threatening behavior aboard a commercial flight have stunned both medical and aviation circles.
Her alleged threat to bring down the plane has also triggered a wider conversation about passenger conduct, airline safety protocols, and the mental health challenges some professionals may face under stress.
Air India Express Confirms Incident, Flight Resumes
Air India Express confirmed the incident and stated that standard protocol was followed. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and expressed gratitude to the crew for handling the situation with composure and professionalism.
Following the removal of the Bengaluru doctor, the aircraft resumed its journey to Surat after a delay. No other incidents were reported for the remainder of the flight.
Legal Consequences for the Bengaluru Doctor
If found guilty, the Bengaluru doctor could face severe legal consequences. The Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act carries provisions for imprisonment and fines for any act likely to jeopardize an aircraft’s safety.
The doctor’s statements, including her alleged threat to crash the flight, are being treated with utmost seriousness. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether she had any other intentions or if the episode was an isolated outburst.
Incident Follows Recent Concerns Over Aviation Safety
This unsettling episode involving a Bengaluru doctor comes just days after the tragic crash of Air India’s flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, which claimed over 270 lives. In light of such recent events, authorities are on high alert and are acting swiftly to maintain air travel safety.
The aviation ministry has already begun reviewing existing safety protocols, airline staff preparedness, and passenger behavior management systems. Incidents like this reinforce the importance of strict enforcement of onboard conduct rules.
Experts Weigh In on Incident and Passenger Conduct
Aviation experts and behavioral psychologists are weighing in on the incident. According to Dr. Ramesh Bhatia, a psychologist from Bengaluru, “The stress associated with air travel, coupled with underlying personal issues, can sometimes cause individuals to act irrationally. However, any statement threatening flight safety must be dealt with strictly.”
Many passengers shared their concerns on social media, emphasizing how alarming the Bengaluru doctor’s outburst was. One flyer tweeted, “We didn’t know whether to take it as a joke or panic. Threatening to crash a flight isn’t something anyone should take lightly.”
Final Words
The actions of the Bengaluru doctor aboard Air India Express have sparked debate and concern across the country. While the situation was swiftly contained and passengers were unharmed, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for responsible conduct aboard flights.
Airlines are now more vigilant than ever, and passengers are urged to follow crew instructions and refrain from any behavior that could compromise flight safety. As the investigation into the Bengaluru doctor’s actions continues, further legal developments are expected in the coming days.
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Sibtain Rizvi