Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has alleged that she was subjected to targeted harassment and political sloganeering aboard an IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Delhi on May 7, 2026, while en route to a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting on defense. In a widely shared video and subsequent statements, Moitra described how a group of men allegedly leered at her, chanted derogatory slogans, and filmed her without consent, calling the incident a deliberate act of intimidation and a reflection of what she termed as “BJP culture.”
The incident has reignited debates over public behavior on commercial flights and the responsibilities of airlines and law enforcement to ensure passenger safety. Moitra’s account, which she posted on X (formerly Twitter), details how the men—she estimates between four and six—boarded the flight, stared at her, and later gathered at the back of the plane before chanting slogans upon landing. The video she shared captures shouts of “Chor chor, TMC chor, pishi chor, bhaipo chor” (Thief, thief, TMC thief, aunt is a thief, nephew is a thief), targeting not only her but also Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.
Moitra emphasized that the harassment was not spontaneous public reaction but a coordinated effort to humiliate and intimidate. “This is not public anger; it is clear harassment,” she wrote. “My safety inside the aircraft is compromised by such goondaism. Ignore this. This is the BJP culture.” She has since filed a formal complaint with IndiGo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and tagged Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, demanding action against the perpetrators and the airline for failing to prevent the incident.
Sequence of Events: What Happened on the Flight
According to Moitra’s account and corroborating reports, the following sequence of events took place:
- Boarding and Staring: Moitra, seated in 1F, noticed a group of men board the flight. They stared at her before moving to the back of the plane.
- Post-Landing Sloganeering: Upon landing, the group gathered and began chanting slogans, filming her and others in the cabin.
- Video Circulation: The video of the incident was widely shared on social media, amplifying the harassment and drawing public attention.
- Public Response: Moitra initially chose not to publicly address the incident until the video went viral, at which point she posted her own video and complaint.
Official Responses: Silence from Airlines and Government
As of the evening of May 7, neither IndiGo Airlines nor the Civil Aviation Ministry has issued a public statement addressing Moitra’s allegations. The airline’s official silence has left unanswered questions about whether crew members were aware of the harassment and what steps, if any, were taken to intervene. Moitra has called for the DGCA to place the perpetrators on a no-fly list and for the airline to conduct an internal inquiry.
In her complaint, Moitra also highlighted the broader implications of such incidents, stating that they create an environment of fear and insecurity for public figures, particularly women, who are often targeted for political dissent. She urged the government to take immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Broader Context: Political Harassment and Public Safety
The incident comes at a time when political harassment and targeted intimidation have become recurring themes in Indian public life. Moitra’s allegations echo concerns raised by other public figures, including politicians and activists, who have reported being subjected to similar behavior on public transport and in public spaces. The lack of immediate response from authorities has raised questions about the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for addressing such incidents.
Legal experts have pointed out that while airlines have a duty of care to ensure passenger safety, enforcement often depends on individual complaints and subsequent investigations. The DGCA, which oversees airline operations, has the power to impose penalties, including fines and bans, but such actions are typically taken only after a thorough investigation.
Next Steps: Complaint and Potential Action
Moitra has indicated that she will continue to pursue the matter through legal and official channels. She has called on the DGCA to investigate the incident and take action against the passengers involved. The airline, in turn, has been urged to cooperate fully with any inquiry and to review its protocols for handling harassment complaints onboard.
For now, the focus remains on the official response. The DGCA and IndiGo have not yet commented on the allegations, leaving the public and political community awaiting clarity on how this incident will be addressed. Moitra’s call for accountability has set a precedent for how such cases are handled, particularly when they involve targeted harassment of public figures.
If you have experienced or witnessed harassment on public transport, you can report it to the nearest police station or file a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) or the DGCA. For immediate support, contact helplines such as the National Commission for Women or local law enforcement.
As the story develops, TIME.News will continue to monitor official responses and provide updates on any actions taken by the airline or regulatory bodies. We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences on this issue in the comments below.
