This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33359427

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Air India 'offloads' family to fly minister Kiren Rijiju India apology after family 'offloaded' to fly minister Kiren Rijiju
(about 5 hours later)
Indian minister Kiren Rijiju has been criticised extensively on social media after reports that a family of three, including a child, were offloaded to accommodate him on a flight. Indian civil aviation authorities have apologised over reports that a family of three, including a child, was offloaded to accommodate a minister on a flight.
The Economic Times said the government-run Air India flight was also delayed by an hour in the process. Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said he "regretted inconvenience caused to the passengers".
Many have taken to Twitter to express their resentment at the alleged privilege given to the minister. The apology came after minister Kiren Rijiju was criticised on social media for the alleged privilege given to him.
Mr Rijiju said he was not aware that people had been offloaded for him.Mr Rijiju said he was not aware that people had been offloaded for him.
Indian media reports said on 24 June, the Air India flight bound from Leh for Delhi was set for departure when an air force officer, his wife and child were asked to get off the plane for "last-minute passengers" who were identified as Mr Rijiju, India's junior minister for home affairs, his aide, and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh. The Economic Times said the government-run Air India flight from Leh to Delhi on 24 June was delayed by an hour to accommodate Mr Rijiju.
Reports said the flight was set for departure when an air force officer, his wife and child were asked to get off the plane for "last-minute passengers" who were identified as Mr Rijiju, India's junior minister for home affairs, his aide, and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh.
Mr Rijiju said reports that the flight had been delayed because of them were incorrect.Mr Rijiju said reports that the flight had been delayed because of them were incorrect.
"Air India had rescheduled the 11.40 am flight and advanced it at short notice," he said and added that there was "a communication gap"."Air India had rescheduled the 11.40 am flight and advanced it at short notice," he said and added that there was "a communication gap".
Mr Rijiju's defence notwithstanding, many Indians have taken to social media to criticise the alleged privilege given to the minister.Mr Rijiju's defence notwithstanding, many Indians have taken to social media to criticise the alleged privilege given to the minister.