Drunk passenger chants ‘Har Har Mahadev’ on Delhi-Kolkata flight causing 3 hours delay

IndiGo flight 6E 6571 from Delhi to Kolkata was delayed for over three hours after a passenger, allegedly intoxicated, caused a major disruption by chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and clashing with the cabin crew. The incident, which unfolded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, left the aircraft stranded at the parking bay as tensions escalated between the passenger, a lawyer seated in 31D, and the airline staff. Both sides have since filed complaints, with the passenger handed over to security upon arrival in Kolkata, sparking a heated debate about onboard behavior and airline protocols.

This chaotic episode has raised questions about handling unruly passengers and the balance between free expression and public safety.According to the crew’s complaint, the passenger boarded the flight reeking of alcohol and began urging fellow travelers to join him in chanting the religious slogan ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ The situation worsened when he reportedly tried to conceal a soft drink bottle that smelled of alcohol, gulping it down when questioned by the crew. His disruptive behavior, which included demanding to exit the aircraft for a smoke, led to the flight’s prolonged delay. IndiGo officials labeled the passenger as “unruly” and “drunk,” emphasizing their strict policy against such conduct to ensure passenger and crew safety.

The passenger, however, tells a different story. In a counter-complaint, he denied consuming alcohol onboard, admitting only to having a beer at the Delhi airport before boarding, backed by a purchase receipt. He claimed his ‘Har Har Mahadev’ greeting was not meant to offend and accused the crew of harassment and denying him basic services. The lawyer’s defense has ignited discussions on social media, with some users supporting his right to express religious sentiments, while others argue his behavior crossed a line, especially if alcohol was involved.This incident adds to a string of recent disruptions on IndiGo flights, including a Mumbai-Kolkata flight in August 2025 where a passenger was banned for assaulting another traveler.

The Delhi-Kolkata clash has drawn attention to the challenges airlines face in managing passenger conduct, particularly when alcohol and religious expressions intertwine. Kolkata police are investigating both complaints, with no arrests made as of September 3, 2025. The incident has also prompted calls for clearer guidelines on handling such situations to prevent delays and ensure passenger safety.For travelers, the episode serves as a reminder of the strict rules governing air travel. Consuming alcohol onboard, except when served by the airline, is prohibited, and disruptive behavior can lead to severe consequences, including being placed on a no-fly list.

The three-hour delay frustrated passengers, many of whom took to social media to express their annoyance, with some questioning why the situation wasn’t resolved faster. IndiGo’s response emphasized their commitment to safety, but the incident has sparked broader conversations about cultural sensitivities and the responsibilities of passengers in confined spaces like an aircraft.As air travel incidents continue to make headlines, this case highlights the delicate balance between personal expression and maintaining order in high-stakes environments. With investigations ongoing, the outcome could set a precedent for how airlines handle similar situations in the future. For now, the IndiGo flight disruption serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unruly behavior, leaving passengers and crew alike to navigate the fallout of a tense journey from Delhi to Kolkata.