AI suspends regional director for ‘shoplifting’ at Sydney airport

New Delhi, June 23

Air India has suspended its Regional Director for East, Rohit Bhasin, for allegedly shoplifting a wallet from a duty-free shop at the Sydney airport, officials said on Sunday.

Bhasin, who has also been barred from entering the Air India premises without permission, was rostered as one of the commanders (pilots) of AI301 flight, which was set to depart at 10.45 am (local time) on June 22 from the Sydney airport for Delhi.

“Air India has instituted an inquiry into this incident,” a spokesperson for the airline said. He added, “The incident happened around 6.30 am IST at Sydney and suspension order was served on the captain at the airport itself on landing of the Sydney-Delhi flight around 7.30 pm. Very quick and exemplary action has been taken.”

The order also directed him to surrender his identity card. The airline has also directed him not to leave his station (Kolkata) without written permission of the management, nor engage in any employment or avocation.

“You will not be eligible to any wages except the subsistence allowance as per rules with immediate effect,” it also said. — PTI