IndiGo Flight Attendant Accused of Stealing Child's Gold Necklace
A shocking incident aboard an IndiGo Airlines flight has sparked a police investigation. Priyanka Mukherjee alleges that her five-year-old daughter's 20-gram gold necklace, valued at approximately $30,000, disappeared during flight 6E661 from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru on April 1, 2025. The flight attendant, Aditi Ashwini Sharma, allegedly took charge of the child during a brief in-flight disturbance, and the necklace was missing upon the child's return.
The Allegation and the Investigation
Mukherjee reported the incident to multiple authorities, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) police. However, the investigation faces significant challenges. The absence of in-flight CCTV footage is a major hurdle, hindering efforts to verify Mukherjee's claim. Sharma has denied any involvement in the theft. While police have filed a case, no arrests have been made yet.
IndiGo's Response and Similar Incidents
IndiGo Airlines has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The airline has not yet commented on whether Sharma remains on active duty. This case echoes other troubling instances of alleged theft by airline crew members. In one notable example, an Emirates Airlines flight attendant faced charges for stealing thousands of dollars from business-class passengers. This underscores broader concerns about in-flight security and accountability.
The Lack of Evidence and Concerns about Security
The lack of in-flight cameras on many aircraft raises serious concerns about passenger safety and the potential for similar incidents to go undetected. The difficulty in proving the allegations against the IndiGo flight attendant highlights the need for improved security measures and potentially mandatory CCTV systems on all flights. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for airlines to prioritize passenger safety and security above all else. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on what happened and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
Conclusion
The alleged theft aboard IndiGo flight 6E661 is a deeply concerning incident that raises questions about in-flight security and the responsibility of airlines to protect their passengers. The lack of CCTV footage and the challenges faced by investigators underscore the urgent need for better surveillance and accountability within the aviation industry. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by passengers and industry professionals alike.