Akasa Air passenger smokes beedi inside washroom on Delhi-Goa flight

A passenger on board a Delhi-Goa Akasa Air flight was handed over to authorities after he was caught allegedly smoking a beedi (hand-rolled cigarette) inside the plane washroom, officials said on Sunday.

According to a police official, the incident took place on Saturday on flight QP1625 travelling from Delhi to Goa. The accused, identified as Ashish, a resident of Delhi, allegedly smoked inside the aircraft’s washroom during the journey, the official said.

The airline, in its complaint, said that the passenger was found carrying a lighter, which could pose a potential safety risk to the aircraft and those on board.

Police said the act endangered the safety of fellow passengers and crew members during the flight.

Akasa Air said its crew followed the required safety protocols after the passenger was found smoking during the flight and handed him over to authorities upon arrival in Goa.

A case was registered against the accused at the Mopa airport police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act.

Akasa Air said it was extending full cooperation to the authorities in the matter. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

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(with inputs from PTI)