IndiGo denies caste bias allegations by trainee pilot against 3 seniors

Aviation major IndiGo on Monday termed the casteist allegations levelled by a trainee pilot against his three seniors as “baseless”, while stating that the airline would fully cooperate with the Gurugram Police in their ongoing investigation.

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The statement came after a Bengaluru-based trainee pilot filed a detailed police complaint alleging that he was subjected to caste-based abuse and humiliation by three senior officials of the airline during a meeting held on April 28 in Gurugram.

In his complaint to the Sampigehalli Police in Bengaluru (later transferred to Gurugram), Sharan, who identifies as a member of the Scheduled Caste (Adi Dravida community), named three individuals — Tapas Dey, Manish Sahani, and Captain Rahul Patil — and stated that the alleged incident took place at IndiGo’s office in Gurugram.

According to the FIR, the complainant was first asked to leave his phone and bag outside the room in a "humiliating and derogatory manner" by one of the accused.

He further alleged that during the meeting, the trio subjected him to explicit caste-based verbal abuse and intimidation, including slurs and degrading remarks referencing his caste background. The complaint also lists instances of professional harassment such as unauthorised salary deductions, forced training, and the revocation of internal staff privileges.

“I have reported this matter to the CEO and Ethics Committee of IndiGo Airlines, but no action has been taken to address this injustice or protect my dignity and rights,” the complaint read.

The FIR, filed under various provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Indian Penal Code sections for criminal intimidation and insult, has now triggered an official police inquiry.

In response, IndiGo issued a strong denial of the allegations stating that it upholds zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination and harassment.

"IndiGo upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or bias and remains firmly committed to being an inclusive and respectful workplace. IndiGo strongly refutes these baseless claims and stands by its values of fairness, integrity, and accountability and will extend its support to the law enforcement agencies as required,” the airline said in a statement.

No arrests have been made so far.