Air India assault case: Ex-Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad discharged by Delhi court

Ravindra Gaikwad. File Pic/PTI

A Delhi court has discharged former Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad in the case of assaulting an Air India employee in 2017.

According to Special Judge Geentanjli Goel, prima facie found that an offence under Section 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation) of the Indian Penal Code was made out against Gaikwad, reported Bar and Bench.

"It is held that the offences under Sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence or giving false information to screen offender) IPC are prima facie not made out against the accused Ravinder Vishwanath Gaikwad and he is discharged for the same. However, the offence under Section 355 IPC is prima facie made out against the accused," reads the order.

In 2017, Gaikwad had allegedly hit an Air India staffer with a slipper for not giving him a business class seat. The counsel appearing for Gaikwad pointed out there were no prior cases registered against him.