A Mumbai-based Air India captain in his 40s was found dead inside a luxury hotel room in Vasant Kunj, south Delhi, on Friday, a day before he was scheduled to operate a flight. Police said the pilot had been staying at the hotel during a layover since Thursday.
The incident came to light after the pilot’s brother became concerned when repeated phone calls went unanswered. He contacted the hotel manager on Friday evening and informed him that he could not reach his brother.
According to police, the hotel manager went to the pilot’s room, which was locked from inside. The manager opened the door using the hotel’s master key and found the pilot lying unconscious inside. Police were informed, and a team from the Vasant Kunj North police station reached the spot.
The pilot was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police said there were no immediate details about the circumstances leading to his death. An autopsy was conducted at Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday, and an inquest proceeding has been initiated under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said the exact cause of death would be established after the postmortem report is received. Further investigation is currently underway.
The pilot had checked into the hotel on Thursday while on a layover. Air India said he was scheduled to operate a flight early Saturday morning. The airline also confirmed that he had previously worked with Air India Express before joining Air India a couple of months ago.
In a statement, Air India said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident and expressed its condolences to the pilot’s family. The airline said it was in close contact with the family and was providing all possible support during this difficult time.
Police are continuing their inquiry into the incident, while the postmortem findings are expected to provide further information about the cause of death. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death.
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