AirportSafety – Mumbai Airport Security Staffer Critically Injured in Cab Incident
AirportSafety – A security employee at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport remains in critical condition after a serious accident involving an app-based taxi earlier this month. The injured staff member, 35-year-old Ganesh Pawar, was reportedly struck by a vehicle while performing his duties near the airport’s departure section on June 7. He suffered severe injuries and is currently receiving intensive medical care. Authorities have detained the taxi driver and launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
Driver Taken Into Custody Following Incident
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the cab driver, identified as Vinod Singh, aged 35, was arrested shortly after the accident. According to investigators, he was intercepted near Gate No. 7 while allegedly attempting to leave the airport area. The vehicle involved in the incident has been seized for further examination as part of the ongoing probe.
Alleged Violation of Airport Transport Rules
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver may have breached airport transportation regulations before the accident occurred. Officials stated that app-based taxis are required to collect passengers only from designated pickup locations or approved parking facilities. However, Singh allegedly stopped near the departure zone to pick up a traveler, an area where such activity is prohibited under airport guidelines.
Security Personnel Noticed Irregular Activity
The incident reportedly unfolded at around 7 a.m. after the driver had completed dropping off a passenger. Authorities believe he then picked up a female passenger from a restricted section near the terminal. Security staff members Ganesh Pawar and Himanshu Swami noticed the suspected violation and attempted to document the vehicle details by taking photographs.
As the security personnel approached, the driver allegedly attempted to leave the location quickly. Investigators say the situation escalated within moments, resulting in a dangerous confrontation between the vehicle and airport staff.
Serious Injuries During Attempt to Stop Vehicle
According to the complaint filed with police, Swami, who serves as a security supervisor, was stationed alongside Pawar near Visitor Gate 7. During the encounter, Pawar allegedly moved to stop the vehicle from leaving the area. Police reports suggest that the cab continued moving, causing Pawar to fall beneath it.
Witness accounts indicate that he became trapped under the vehicle and was dragged for a short distance before others intervened. Emergency assistance was immediately sought, and the injured staff member was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Second Security Officer Also Hurt
Authorities stated that Swami also sustained injuries while trying to help his colleague. During the rescue effort, he reportedly attempted to pull Pawar away from the moving vehicle and grabbed the car door in an effort to stop it. In the process, he suffered injuries to his right hand and leg after losing his balance and falling.
Investigation Continues Under Relevant Laws
Police suspect the driver may have attempted to avoid disciplinary action or penalties related to the alleged violation of airport pickup regulations. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Investigators are currently reviewing evidence, including witness statements and other available records, to establish the complete sequence of events. Airport authorities and law enforcement agencies continue to examine the circumstances that led to the incident while the injured security employee remains under medical supervision.