Guwahati: An Italian woman passenger was arrested by Mumbai Police for reportedly raising a commotion aboard a Vistara Airline flight on January 30 shortly after takeoff from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai.
The passenger identified as Paola Perruccio was arrested by Sahar police early Monday morning after the flight landed in Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). She later received bail from this court.
The woman who was allegedly intoxicated caused a scene by demanding to be placed in business class even though she had been booked in economy, according to the Mumbai police. Additionally, she removed parts of her clothing and moved up and down the aisle while partially naked, cursing and hitting the staff.
“We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK 256 operating from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on 30 January 2023. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the passenger,” a Vistara spokesperson said.
“The pilot made regular announcements to assure the other customers onboard of their safety and security. In accordance with the guidelines and our stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), the security agencies on-ground were informed about taking immediate action upon arrival. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities as per the SOPs,” the spokesperson added.
The Mumbai Police issued a charge sheet a day after filing a case against the passenger.
“Mumbai Police has filed a chargesheet in record time in a case of misbehaviour by an airline passenger mid-air,” police said.
Prior to being charged with several offences under the Indian Penal Code, the woman underwent a medical exam. According to the authorities, all formalities for recording the statements of other passengers, crew members, and others have been accomplished.
“We have completed all the due formalities as per law and filed the chargesheet after recording all the relevant statements and medical and legal procedures,” DCP Dixit Gedam said.
Last year, Vistara turned him over to Heathrow airport authorities in London after a rowdy passenger assaulted and manhandled flight attendants. The passenger was held for an inquiry upon landing at London Heathrow, according to a Vistara representative.