AI staff assault case: Shiv Sena distances itself from Gaikwad

Air India, 6 private airlines banned Gaikwad from flying as he refused to apologise for the incident

With the opposition parties taking on the Shiv Sena over Osmanabad MP Ravindra Gaikwad's unwarranted behaviour against an Air India staffer, party leader Manisha Kayande on Saturday said they do not subscribe to such attitude.

She further said Gaikwad is expected to meet party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

"As we have told earlier, our stand remains the same. The party has taken this issue seriously. We do have given harsh reactions. In this case, we do not subscribe to the behaviour of Gaikwad," Kayande said.

"We do not support this. The Shiv Sena has fought for the common man. We have demanded for enquiry," she added.

After being barred by all the airlines, Gaikwad took a train to Mumbai on Friday.

Air India and six private airlines banned the 56-year-old MP from flying as he refused to apologise for the incident that triggered nationwide outrage.

The MP from Osmanabad in Maharashtra had yesterday downplayed reports suggesting that Air India is considering banning him from boarding its flights.

"I have the tickets, they can't blacklist me. I will board the Delhi-Pune Air India flight this evening. How can they not allow me?" he said.

"I will not apologise. It was not my fault, it was his fault. He should apologise. First ask him to apologise then we will see," Gaikwad told the media.

Air India Duty Manager Sukumar, who was assaulted by Gaikwad, yesterday asserted that the elected representatives need to behave in a decent manner.

"I am not scared at all, either with Gaikwad or with the Shiv Sena. I have been serving public and have also faced many who get irritated on such issues. It's a common thing for me," he added.

Earlier, the Centre also took cognizance of the incident and assured a thorough probe into the matter.