A distressing event on an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Kolkata has ignited national concern and raised serious questions about airline response, mental health awareness, and passenger safety. A young man, Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar from Assam, experienced a panic attack mid-air and was allegedly slapped by a co-passenger. Following the incident, Mazumdar mysteriously disappeared, never boarding his connecting flight—and has remained untraceable since.
✈️ Mid-Air Panic Turns into Assault
On August 1, 2025, during IndiGo Flight 6E-1387 from Mumbai to Kolkata (en route to Silchar), 32-year-old Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar from Assam’s Cachar district reportedly experienced a panic attack. Witnesses claimed that Mazumdar was visibly disturbed—crying and pacing the aisle in clear emotional distress.
Cabin crew members attempted to calm him and eventually escorted him toward the rear of the aircraft. At that moment, a fellow passenger—apparently irritated or frightened by Mazumdar’s behavior—slapped him across the face. The shocking altercation was reportedly captured on video by another passenger and circulated widely on social media, further fueling public outrage.
🚨 Immediate Response by the Airline
Upon landing in Kolkata, IndiGo authorities classified the slapping incident as a violation of their unruly passenger policy. The passenger who struck Mazumdar was identified and immediately handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other security personnel at the airport.
While IndiGo emphasized that its crew followed standard procedures, many have criticized the airline for failing to manage the emotional crisis more compassionately. A panic attack, mental health professionals argue, warrants medical attention—not confrontation or physical aggression.
🧩 The Disappearance
After the incident, Mazumdar was scheduled to board a connecting flight from Kolkata to Silchar to return to his hometown in Assam. However, he never boarded the flight. His family, waiting anxiously at Silchar airport, was left in the dark. They could not reach him by phone—his mobile device was allegedly left behind in Mumbai.
Panicked, his relatives filed a missing person report with local police in Assam. Adding to their distress, they claimed no clear information was provided by the airline or security agencies regarding Mazumdar’s whereabouts. His father, who is battling cancer, made a public plea to authorities for clarity and action.
💔 Family and Public Outcry
Mazumdar’s disappearance has sparked nationwide debate and emotional appeals. People across social media have condemned both the passenger who slapped him and the broader failure of authorities to handle the situation with care.
Questions have been raised about the absence of psychological support or medical intervention during the episode. Many have criticized the airline for not ensuring his safe deplaning or connecting travel. Instead of assistance, he was met with aggression—an unacceptable response in an era that claims to prioritize mental health.
Mazumdar’s family has been vocal about their anguish. They demand access to CCTV footage from both the aircraft and the airport, a thorough investigation, and accountability from those responsible for his safety.
🛡️ Airline and Security Statements
IndiGo stated that the crew followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior. However, they have remained vague about the series of events following the flight’s landing. This lack of transparency has further frustrated the public and Mazumdar’s loved ones.
Security personnel have mentioned that the co-passenger who slapped Mazumdar felt “uncomfortable” due to his erratic behavior. Yet, eyewitnesses said Mazumdar appeared to be suffering from an anxiety attack—not displaying any threatening behavior.
The silence from key parties, including airport authorities, has left a void of information that only deepens the mystery of his disappearance.
👤 Who is Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar?
Mazumdar had been working in Mumbai for seven years, employed at a local gym. He was returning to his hometown in Katigorah, Assam, to visit family. According to relatives, he had traveled by air before and had never shown any symptoms of mental health issues or travel-related anxiety.
Family members are now left clinging to memories, recounting his regular phone calls, his work ethic, and his caring nature. His sudden breakdown and subsequent disappearance have stunned those who knew him.
📍 Critical Questions That Need Answers
- Was Mazumdar medically assessed upon landing in Kolkata?
- Did CISF or airport staff take custody of him or offer support?
- Why wasn’t he monitored or guided to the connecting flight?
- Were proper security and passenger records maintained?
- Why hasn’t the family received any official briefing or clarity?
⚠️ Broader Concerns Raised
1. Mental Health Awareness in Air Travel
This incident shines a harsh spotlight on how emotional or mental health issues are handled mid-flight. A visible panic attack was met with violence rather than empathy. Airlines need to invest in better mental health training for cabin crew and consider placing trained personnel on longer routes.
2. Passenger Responsibility and Ethics
The slap from a co-passenger, although possibly triggered by fear, was wholly inappropriate. Fellow travelers must be educated about non-violent ways to alert crew and handle unusual situations. No person deserves to be assaulted for showing signs of distress.
3. Institutional Accountability
Neither IndiGo nor airport security provided detailed information after Mazumdar vanished. The system seems unprepared for such crises, especially when they involve non-criminal, medical, or emotional disturbances.
📢 What the Family is Demanding
- Immediate update on Mazumdar’s current status
- Access to video surveillance footage from aircraft and airport
- Details of any medical or security intervention
- A public statement from IndiGo outlining steps taken
- Support for his mental well-being if he is located
🧠 Lessons Learned & Recommendations
- Training for Crew Members
Cabin crew must be trained in identifying and managing panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and other common psychological emergencies. - Clear SOPs for Medical Distress
Standardized procedures for non-violent medical emergencies must be implemented to avoid mistreatment or negligence. - Passenger Awareness Campaigns
Educational drives can help promote understanding and reduce stigma around mental health issues, particularly in travel scenarios. - Transparent Communication with Families
When someone goes missing during a flight or while in transit, their families must receive continuous updates and emotional support.
📝 Final Thoughts
Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar’s case is both heartbreaking and alarming. A young man in emotional distress was assaulted, vanished without explanation, and remains missing. This incident forces us to reevaluate how airlines, authorities, and even co-passengers treat people experiencing mental health crises.
In a time when mental health awareness is supposed to be a growing priority, Mazumdar’s ordeal exposes a glaring lack of preparedness and empathy. His family continues to wait—demanding nothing more than answers, accountability, and the safe return of a son who simply needed help, not harm.
As public concern escalates, it’s time for the aviation industry and governing bodies to implement stricter, more compassionate policies to ensure that no one else disappears in the name of fear or negligence.
