Ravindra Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MP who slapped an elderly Air India employee 25 times because he was asked to disembark a flight, has said that he will not apologise.


"I dare the Delhi police to arrest me... I will not apologize, he (Air India manager) must come to me and apologize," Gaikwad told reporters today, claiming that "a 60-year-old man must know how to behave" and suggesting that his party will stand by him.

"Uddhav-ji will take care of it," the MP said when asked if his party will step in.

The Shiv Sena has not announced any action against him.

The MP refused to disembark from the plane for nearly 45 minutes after he landed last morning in Delhi from Pune.  

An Air India manager - Shiv Kumar - boarded the plane to persuade the MP to exit the plane. He was then hit repeatedly. In his letter of complaint, the manager wrote of being humiliated publicly and his glasses being broken during the sustained abuse.
"God help our country if this is the behaviour and culture of our MPs," he said.

The national carrier has filed two FIRs against the MP, known for his strong-arm tactics, while the Shiv Sena has sought an explanation from him. While one FIR relates to assault, the other is for holding up the aircraft.

Police said the officer, Sukumar, has been sent for medical examination and based on its report a case will be registered.


Image: A screenshot of the MP with the Air India stewardess who pleaded with him to disembark the flight.