Bengaluru: A flight attendant with IndiGo Airlines has been accused of stealing a gold necklace worth an estimated Rs 25 lakh (approximately $30,000) from a five-year-old child during a domestic flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 1 aboard flight 6E661, has sparked serious concerns over in-flight safety and accountability.
According to the complaint filed by Priyanka Mukherjee, she was traveling with her two young daughters when a cabin crew member, identified as Aditi Ashwini Sharma, offered to assist during a minor disturbance between the siblings. Sharma took temporary custody of the elder daughter, the complainant stated. However, upon the plane’s descent and return of the child, Mukherjee noticed her daughter’s 20-gram gold necklace was missing. When questioned, the crew member reportedly denied any knowledge of the necklace.
ALSO READ: Now Open: Pan-India Registration for Fraud Investigators!
Lack of In-Flight Surveillance Hampers Investigation
The absence of CCTV cameras inside the aircraft has made the investigation more difficult. After landing at Kempegowda International Airport, Mukherjee alerted multiple authorities — including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), airport officials, IndiGo management, and the local police. “From the time we landed till late afternoon, I received no proper response from anyone. Airport staff told me to follow up with the airline and police since the incident took place in the air,” Mukherjee told.
Police have registered a formal case and launched an investigation. IndiGo representatives said the accused flight attendant denies all allegations. As of now, it remains unclear whether she has been suspended or continues to be on duty.
IndiGo Responds
In a statement, IndiGo Airlines acknowledged the complaint: “We are aware of the concern raised by a passenger on flight 6E661 from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru. We take such matters seriously and are extending full cooperation to the investigating authorities.” IndiGo, which operates India’s largest domestic airline network with a market share of over 59%, has not provided further comment on the employee’s current status.
Pattern of In-Flight Theft?
The incident adds to a growing list of reported thefts aboard commercial flights. In a similar case, a flight attendant with Emirates Airlines faced charges in Dubai for allegedly stealing nearly AED 18,500 (roughly $7,600) in cash from business-class passengers on a Thailand-Dubai route in 2018. Forensic evidence, including fingerprint analysis, linked the theft to the accused crew member. Another case involved a New Zealand couple who lost over $4,000 while flying first class with Emirates from Paris to Dubai. Despite thorough searches and passport checks, the stolen money was never recovered.
ALSO READ: Empanelment for Speakers, Trainers, and Cyber Security Experts Opens at Future Crime Research Foundation
Growing Concerns Over Passenger Safety
With no surveillance systems on many commercial aircraft, especially in the cabin area, proving allegations of theft or misconduct remains a major challenge. The latest incident has reignited calls for stronger in-flight security measures, including the installation of discreet surveillance cameras and stricter crew background checks. As investigations continue, Mukherjee and her family await justice and clarity, while public trust in the security of personal belongings during air travel comes under scrutiny once again.