Vishaal Aloysius Rasquinha, 30, a Mumbai-based emcee, voice-over artiste, and anchor, was allegedly manhandled recently by airport security staffers at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal, allegedly for expressing frustration over a delayed flight to Mumbai.
Legal notice
A legal notice has been issued against Nepal Airlines, alleging misconduct. The notice states that Rasquinha held a confirmed return ticket for the November 24 flight scheduled to depart at 12.20 pm. Despite arriving at the airport at 10.30 am, Rasquinha claimed the airline failed to provide timely updates about the indefinite delay. Frustration escalated as repeated inquiries at 12.30 pm and 12.45 pm were allegedly met with unprofessional responses. By 3 pm, passengers were informed the flight would be postponed until 9 pm.
Injury marks allegedly sustained from the assault
The situation worsened when, Rasquinha said, he was physically assaulted and detained by security staff. Allegedly confined in unsanitary conditions, he suffered visible injuries and mental trauma. The legal notice demands accountability from Nepal Airlines.
Demands made
Rasquinha and his legal team have demanded compensation of R15 lakh for damages incurred. The amount includes reimbursement for additional travel and accommodation expenses, as well as compensation for alleged mental agony and physical injury. The notice warns that failure to respond adequately may result in consequences for non-compliance.
Still in shock
“Five security personnel had pinned me down, snatched my mobile phone and got me to delete all the contents, before they dumped me in a dingy restroom, slapped and assaulted me, all for merely articulating my situation” said Rasquinha.
Parents worried
Shalini, 61, and Lionel, 63, parents of Rasquinha said they sought legal aid. “We approached the law firm, which was prompt enough to issue legal notice to the airlines but till now, we haven’t received any response to the legal notice issued. We will wait for some time, before putting in motion other legal remedies,” said Shalini.
Advocate Speak
“The incident involving Nepal Airlines highlights a critical need for accountability and sensitivity within the aviation industry,” said Advocate Sarosh Damania.
The other side
Ganesh Kumar Ghimeere, manager at Nepal Airlines Mumbai office, said, “I am aware of the legal notice, but I am not authorised to speak to the media, you may contact Ramesh Poudel, Deputy Director (Marketing) and official spokesperson of the airline. Poudel and Nepal Airlines did not respond to calls and emails till the time of going to press.
