Man Missing After Indigo Flight Panic and Assault Found in Assam
A day after a distressing video from an Indigo flight showed a young passenger experiencing a panic attack and being slapped by a co-traveler, the man at the center of the incident, Hossain Ahmed Majumder, was found safe in Assam. The 26-year-old, who had flown from Mumbai to Kolkata on Friday, failed to board his connecting flight to Silchar, prompting widespread concern and a frantic search by his family.
According to reports, Majumder was located on Saturday at a railway station in Barpeta, Assam. He had taken a train from Kolkata instead of continuing his journey via the second flight. Barpeta is roughly 400 km from Silchar, where his family had been waiting for him at the airport.
What Happened Onboard
The incident unfolded during an Indigo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata when Majumder began showing signs of a panic attack mid-air. As flight attendants attempted to calm him, another passenger, identified as Hafijul Rahman, suddenly slapped him. The incident was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism over the passenger’s handling of someone in visible distress.
Rahman, upon landing in Kolkata, was handed over to airport authorities and briefly detained by the police. However, he was later released. He told officials that he acted out of frustration, alleging that Majumder was “causing problems” during the flight.
Panic Among Family After Sudden Disappearance
Majumder’s disappearance added to the family’s anxiety. His wife, brother, and aunt had gone to receive him at the Silchar airport on Friday afternoon, expecting him to land via his connecting flight from Kolkata. But when he failed to arrive and simultaneously, the video of the onboard incident surfaced, their concerns grew into fear.
“We were shocked to see the video. We kept calling him, and the phone was ringing, but he wasn’t answering,” said his uncle, speaking to reporters on Saturday. The family then approached the Katigorah police station in Assam, fearing something had gone wrong after the incident on the flight.
Majumder’s family confirmed that he had spoken to his wife and parents before boarding the Mumbai flight. They said he had made the trip to visit his critically ill father, who is suffering from cancer and whose condition had recently worsened. The emotional stress of the situation, along with the mid-air panic attack, might have prompted his change in travel plans, they suggested.
Found in Barpeta, En Route to Silchar
Late on Saturday evening, police traced Majumder to Barpeta. He had boarded a train from Kolkata to Assam and was making his way by land instead of air. An officer from Katigorah confirmed his whereabouts, saying, “He reached Barpeta after the Mumbai-Kolkata flight. He’s now en route to Silchar.”
While it’s still unclear why Majumder didn’t answer any calls from his family, officials believe he may have needed time to recover from the traumatic flight experience.
Questions Raised Over In-Flight Conduct
The incident has ignited conversations about airline crew response and passenger behavior during mental health emergencies. While the flight attendants were reportedly attempting to assist Majumder, the violent intervention by a fellow passenger has drawn widespread condemnation.
Mental health advocates have pointed out the urgent need for airlines to have better-trained staff and to educate passengers about handling such incidents with sensitivity and care.
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A Troubling Experience Ends Safely
Though the situation caused considerable panic and confusion, the eventual discovery of Majumder has brought relief to his worried family. His uncle confirmed on Saturday night that Majumder was in touch and expected to reach home in Silchar soon.
As the video continues to circulate online, calls are growing for greater accountability—not just from the passenger who assaulted Majumder, but also from airline authorities for ensuring safety and dignity for travelers with health conditions.
This story reflects the latest updates as of Sunday morning, following the flight incident and the man’s recovery in Assam.
