Mid-air scuffle with Uttar Pradesh MLA lands passenger in police custody

“A scuffle broke out on a Delhi-Lucknow flight mid-air between an Amethi MLA and a passenger over use of cuss phrases,” authorities stated on Wednesday (October 1, 2025).

The incident occurred on Tuesday (September 30, 2025) on Air India flight AI-837, when Amethi’s Gauriganj MLA Rakesh Pratap Singh objected to a passenger, Samad Ali, allegedly utilizing foul language whereas speaking on the telephone.

According to the MLA, regardless of objections from fellow travellers, the person continued shouting, forcing him to intervene.

“The man continued with derogatory words which are unacceptable in any civil society. When I tried to stop him firmly, he misbehaved with me as well,” Mr. Singh informed reporters after touchdown in Lucknow.

“Cabin crew needed to step in to separate the 2 because the scenario worsened mid-air,” a supply stated. Mr. Singh later lodged a criticism at Sarojininagar Police Station towards the passenger, following which an FIR was registered. “An investigation has been launched into the matter,” police stated.

“The Constitution gives us freedom, but that does not mean one can misuse it to infringe on others’ dignity,” the lawmaker stated.

Samad Ali, a local of Rajjipur village underneath Hathgaon Police Station of Fatehpur district, was later detained by the police.