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NEW DELHI/KOLKATA

BUS28Business/AviationAir India pilot beaten up, apology demanded from CISF LeadNew Delhi/Kolkata, Sep 23 IANS A tiff between a pilot and Central Industrial Security Force CISF personnel at Kolkata airport Tuesday delayed many flights to the West Bengal capital. The pilots association has demanded apology from the accused security men.The pilot, who was to fly a Bagdogra-bound aircraft, was allegedly roughed up by the CISF personnel at the airport Tuesday after an argument over to the size of his baggage. There were three to four CISF officials allegedly involved in the scuffle. "The pilot was heckled by them", said Air India official in Kolkata."CISF personnel used derogatory words and called the pilot a 'driver'. The pilot was extremely shocked at this behaviour and considering his agitated state of mind he did not fly. Instead another pilot took charge of that aeroplane," the official said.The Bagdogra flight IC 721, which the pilot was to fly was delayed by two hours. No other flight disruption occurred due to this incident, the official confirmed.The Indian Commercial Pilots Association ICPA expressed shock over the incidentVikram Yadav, the general secretary of the ICPA, told IANS in New Delhi that the pilots affiliated to the association refused to fly to Kolkata and only pilots who were not part of their union were operating."This has delayed flights bound for Kolkata. We expect an unconditional apology from the CISF soon," he added.Air India spokesperson Jitender Bhargava said the situation would normalise soon. “The CISF has already indicated that they will apologise,” said Bhargava.--Indo-Asian News Servicesan/sk/dg282 Words*23092044