NEW DELHI, May 24: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday suspended the crew of a SpiceJet chartered plane after the video of a wedding aboard the aircraft, violating the Covid-19 norms went viral on social media.
The DGCA has initiated investigation into the incident and has sought a full report from the airline and Airport Authority. The crew members were taken off duty. It has also asked the airline to lodge a complaint against those not following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour with the relevant authorities.
The bride, groom and their families may face action as SpiceJet says passengers did not follow rules despite repeated requests.
According to reports, the young couple from Madurai in Tamil Nadu – the state is under lockdown to check Covid – chartered a flight to Bengaluru and their wedding was held mid-air. Their families, relatives and guests were all on the Boeing 737 plane, reveal photos and videos that have gone viral online.
In one video, the groom is seen tying the mangalsutra on the bride as cameras capture the moment with a crowd on the aisle behind them. The couple tied knot as the aircraft hovered over Madurai’s Meenakshi temple.
In one shot, the photographer encourages them to smile for the camera. The bride is decked with flowers and jewellery and the groom is in traditional south Indian attire.
There are more visuals that show people sitting and enjoying the function inside the aircraft. Most of them are without face masks and there is no social distancing in what seems to be a packed flight.
The DGCA has asked for a full report from the airline and the Airport Authority and says the crew has been removed from the roster. SpiceJet has been asked to file a complaint against those caught violating Covid-appropriate behavior, the DGCA said. Airport authorities denied knowledge of the plane wedding.
“A SpiceJet chartered flight was booked yesterday from Madurai. Airport Authority officials were unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony”, Madurai Airport Director, S Senthil Valavan, said.
In a statement, SpiceJet said the flight was chartered by a travel agent on May 23 for what was claimed to be a post-wedding joyride. “The client was clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission for any activity to be performed on board. The agent and the guest passengers were briefed in detail, both in writing as well as verbally, on social distancing and safety norms to be followed as per Covid guidelines both at the airport and on board the aircraft throughout the journey,” said the private airline.
“Despite repeated requests and reminders the passengers did not follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” said a SpiceJet spokesperson.
Meanwhile, a lady Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer was found dancing at the marriage function of her brother violating the Covid-19 lockdown guidelines. The woman officer dancing at the marriage procession of her brother came to the fore through social media platform. The Jajpur District Collector said the officer currently was on leave and her explanation would be sought when she rejoined duty. The District Collector said this is not the time for anyone to violate Covid lockdown guidelines. “Be it an officer or the public. All should have some rationality in their approach,” he added.
The woman officer was working as tehsildar of Sukinda and was assigned the responsibility to impose the Covid-19 guidelines and ensure that the general public abide by the rules. Instead, she herself was found bending the rules, dancing without having face mask or maintaining social distance in the marriage procession held in the neighbouring Jagannathpur village under Tirtol block of Jagatsinghpur district on May 21.
Earlier an Assistant Sub Inspector of Police of Panikoili police station in Jajpur district was suspended after a video showing four cops including a woman home guard in uniform dancing inside Panikoili police station went viral on social media last month.
(Manas Dasgupta)