Jet Airways pilot de-rostered after being accused of racism by Harbhajan

Hours after Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh accused a Jet Airways pilot of racism, the airline has de-rostered the pilot and assured that corrective action would be taken as per company policy, and after due investigation into the incident.

Earlier on Wednesday, Harbhajan brought in notice an alleged incident of racism and assault by a Jet Airways pilot which took place on April 3.

In a series of tweets, Singh said a pilot named Bernd Hoesslin racially abused and assaulted two passengers on the flight, one of them being a person with physical disability.

"So called this Bernd Hoesslin a pilot with @jetairways called my fellow indian(u bloody indian get out of my flight)while he is earning here. Not only was he racist but physically assaulted a lady and abused a physically challenged man.absolutely disgraceful &shame on @jetairways," said the veteran off-spinner in a series of tweets.

"Strict action must b taken & such things should not be allowed or tolerated in r country.. #proudtobeindian let's get together and sort this," he added.

When contacted, the 36-year-old told ANI, "The way pilot treated fellow Indians is unacceptable, can't push anyone or say bloody Indian. Incident took place on April 3."

Following this, the airline in a statement said, "Jet Airways takes a serious view of such incidents. The airline has a strict employee code of conduct reflecting its values and ethos which is clearly mentioned in the prescribed service conditions for all employees and is adequately emphasized during internal training sessions."

"In continuation of our earlier statement dated April 06, 2017, the airline has already noted guest feedback with concern. The concerned pilot remains de-rostered since the day of the event, pending results of a full-fledged internal investigation that is currently underway, based on specific inputs from guests, concerned departments and law-enforcement agencies."

"Jet Airways will take corrective action as per company policy. Additionally, the airline has already issued an apology to the guest regretting the incident and will update the guest with the result of the investigation," the statement added.