WhatsApp messages land 34 private airline pilots in trouble
In a rare move, aviation watchdog DGCA has filed a police complaint against 34 pilots of Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir for allegedly posting “obscene” messages on a WhatsApp group against its officials.
Acting on the complaint, Delhi police on Tuesday questioned 13 pilots.
It is rare for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to file police complaint against pilots and in this instance, regulatory officials said some of the messages put out in a WhatsApp group were “really obscene”.
DGCA Director General B S Bhullar confirmed that the regulator has filed the complaint against 34 pilots of Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir.
“DGCA has filed complaint (against the pilots) for making obscene remarks against DGCA officials on social media. Any action on that is for the police,” Bhullar said.
On whether any disciplinary action would be initiated against the pilots, Bhullar said it was up to the airlines to decide on whether to take action or not.
Sources said some of the “obscene messages” on the WhatsApp group were also put out on the social media.
A DGCA official said some pilots from Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir created a WhatsApp group and some content shared on it was “offensive and abusive”.
The official also said that unconditional apology has come from the airlines' managements.
Earlier in the day, many of the pilots, including ten from Jet Airways, were questioned at the Lodhi Colony police station.
“The pilots have been called in for questioning on the basis of a complaint by the DGCA. They have been called in for an inquiry,” a senior police official said.
Thirteen pilots have been questioned, the official added.
A Jet Airways spokesperson said a few of its cockpit crew were called to record their statements by authorities in response to a complaint and the airline is extending its cooperation to the authorities.
“The matter is under investigation and we are therefore unable to comment further. Jet Airways will take appropriate measures where necessary, as per the company policy and in compliance with local law," the spokesperson said.