‘We only asked for valid documents’: Air India on shooter Manu Bhaker’s claim

Hours after Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker accused Air India of ‘insulting’ her and asked for money, the national carrier has responded to her claims. It released a statement saying, “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.” On Friday, Bhaker alleged AI of treating her “like a criminal” for carrying guns on board the aircraft for training at the MP Shooting Academy.

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The 19-year-old Olympics shooter took to Twitter and said, “Not allowing me to board flight AI 437 at IGI Delhi and asking now 10200rs Despite all valid Documentation and DGCA permit . Top of that Manoj Gupta Air india incharge doesn’t recognise DGCA @narendramodi @HardeepSPuri @AmitShah @VasundharaBJP shall I pay this Bribes or!!!!”

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Air India has refused the shooter’s claims, stating, “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.”

She was allowed to board the flight after Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju intervened. However, the shooter stood by her claims and said, “If you will try to save culprits Manoj Gupta and that security person who’s pic I shared. You will further damage reputation of Air India . They even snatched my mobile and deliberately deleted pic which my mother snap during harassment.”