UDAY RATRA Vs. VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS LTD.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the Complaint filed by the complainant, Mr. Uday Ratra, the following facts were mentioned. On 23.11.2006 and 28.01.2007, the complainant was assaulted at Heathrow Airport, London by Group 4 Staff, while on Board, Virgin Atlantic Airlines Flight VS 300 in the presence of the cabin crew who ignored his complaints and requests for assistance. The first assault on 23.11.2006 consisted of punching to face, upper body, abdomen kicking lower limbs and twisting of upper limbs and pulling of scalp hair by three Group 4 staff on the plane for 30 minutes approximately, in the presence of the cabin crew. Ultimately, the complainant was pushed down the aircraft ladder onto the airport tarmac resulting in broken front tooth, severe bruising and scratches over entire body and continuing psychiatric illness ( post traumatic shock disorder, depression, anxiety and insomnia).

(2.) The next assault took place on 28.01.2007. It involved four Group 4 staff on the plane consisting of punching to face, upper body, abdomen kicking lower limbs and twisting of upper limbs and neck on the plane for two hours intermittently in the presence of the cabin crew who again ignored the complainant's complaint.

(3.) The joint assaults resulted in severe bruising and scratches over entire body including hairline fracture to shins and wrists and bleeding from nose/mouth and continuing psychiatric illness (post traumatic shock disorder, depression, anxiety and insomnia).