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Indian sportspersons Jhulan Goswami, Dhanraj Pillay and Harendra Singh-Harry took to social media to show support to Manu Bhaker after she was allegedly harassed by Air India officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) while she was trying to board a flight from Delhi to Bhopal.
The 19-year-old Haryana shooter, who was carrying two weapons and ammunition on her way to Bhopal Shooting Academy, was later allowed to board the flight.
After being stopped at the Indira Gandhi Airport, 19-year-old Manu tweeted her ‘problem’, tagging sports minister Kiren Rijiju and civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri, among others.
‘Treating me like I am a criminal’
Manu tweeted fives times on Friday, starting at 8.17 pm, and the last one was posted at 8.57 pm, after she was cleared to board the flight.
“IGI Delhi. Going to Bhopal (MP Shooting Academy For my training I need to carry weapons and ammunition, Request @airindiain Officials to give little respect or at least don’t Insult players every time &please don’t ask money. I Have @DGCAIndia permit,” was Manu’s first of the tweets, and she tagged @HardeepSPuri and @VasundharaBJP
Air India responded: “Ma’am we are really sorry that you have faced inconvenience while traveling with us. We request you to kindly share details of the issue along with your contact details over DM for us to assist you.”
In her second tweet, Manu sensationally hinted that officials asked her for “bribes”.
“Not allowing me to board flight AI 437 at IGI Delhi and asking now 10200rs Despite all valid Documentation and DGCA permit (sic). Top of that Manoj Gupta Air India incharge doesn’t recognise DGCA,” she wrote, and tagged @narendramodi @HardeepSPuri @AmitShah @VasundharaBJP “shall I pay this Bribes or!!!!”
Air India replied: “Ma’am we have noted details, please allow us few mins to inform our Delhi Airport team.”
Manu’s next tweet read: “Think this type behaviour is not acceptable (sic).Manoj Gupta is not even human. He is treating me like I am a criminal. Also his security incharge Such people need basic training of behaviour hopefully Aviation ministry will find out &will send him to right place.”
Air India’s response, apparently after checking with its officials at the IGI, was: “Dear Ms Bhaker Our Delhi Airport team has confirmed that the official at our counter had only sought for valid documents as per rules for carriage of your weapon on board. (1/3).”
The next tweeted read: “(2/3)In absence of the same, legitimate specified charges for the arms were conveyed to you. No one sought a ‘bribe’ as has been alleged. You were issued boarding pass on your assurance of furnishing valid documents before boarding.”
Air India further tweeted: “(3/3) Immediately after the official valid documents were shown by you at the boarding point, u were allowed to board. It may please be noted that Air India has always encouraged and respected Sportspersons and have many an eminent sports legends working with us.”
FINDING SUPPORT
Jhulan Goswami, Dhanraj Pillay and Harendra Singh-Harry weighed in on the ‘controversy.
“This is very unfortunate to have such incident occurred, but my association with Air India as an employee and a passenger is remarkable. AI has always set benchmark for showing respect to sports and sportspersons.@airindiain” Goswami tweeted.
This is very unfortunate to have such incident occurred, but my association with Air India as an employee and a passenger is remarkable. AI has always set benchmark for showing respect to sports and sportspersons.@airindiain https://t.co/WvC8Z4xf8B— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) February 19, 2021
“Remember there are always 2 sides to a story. As an Olympian & a proud member of the Air India family for over 2 decades, I take great pride in the institution,which has always supported sportspersons & extended all assistance in pursuit of excellence,” hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay tweeted.
Remember there are always 2 sides to a story. As an Olympian & a proud member of the Air India family for over 2 decades, I take great pride in the institution,which has always supported sportspersons & extended all assistance in pursuit of excellence.@KirenRijiju @HardeepSPuri https://t.co/vAv3hQwr9O— Dhanraj Pillay (@dhanrajpillay1) February 19, 2021
“#HarrySpeak Being a ex Airindiain I m can say one thing for sure that, Air India is one of organisations which have always supported Sports people from all the discipline. I am proud that I worked & played for AI, in fact AI is more courteous to sportsman at Airport @airindiain
#HarrySpeak Being a ex Airindiain I m can say one thing for sure that, Air India is one of organizations which have always supported Sports people from all the discipline. I am proud that I worked & played for AI, in fact AI is more courteous to sportsman at Airport @airindiain https://t.co/861rOXIqou— Harendra Singh-Harry (@HarendraSingh66) February 19, 2021
“Being a ex Airindiain I can say one thing for sure that , Air India is one of organizations which have always supported Sports people from all the discipline. I am proud that I worked & played for Air India @airindiain @kannandelhi,” former India hockey player and coach Harendra Singh said.
Being a ex Airindiain I can say one thing for sure that , Air India is one of organizations which have always supported Sports people from all the discipline. I am proud that I worked & played for Air India @airindiain @kannandelhi https://t.co/tkozIlmb60— Harendra Singh-Harry (@HarendraSingh66) February 19, 2021
RIJIJU’S INTERVVENTION
After Kiren Rijiju’s intervention, Manu Bhaker eventually boarded the AI 437 flight. She thanked the sports minister in her last tweet: “Thank you @KirenRijiju sir. Got boarded after strong support from all of you. Thank you India. [Flag of India] [Folded hands] jai hind.” Rijiju responded by tweeting: “You are India’s pride.”
Manu is one of the top shooters selected for the ISSF World Cup, to be held from March 18 to 29 at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi.
The 2018 Youth Olympic champion competed in the 10m air pistol and the 25m sports pistol in the second round of national selection trials held in New Delhi from February 8 to 14.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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