Air India has edged-out one of its senior commanders after he was accused of shoplifting a wallet from a duty-free shop at the Sydney airport on June 22, an incident which made headlines across the globe.
Air India officials told the Indian media that Captain Rohit Bhasin, a senior pilot and head of east India operations, who was put under immediate suspension following theft allegations, was asked to tender his resignation on Tuesday.
"Bhasin's suspension was revoked on Monday so that his resignation can be accepted on Tuesday. The revoking of suspension was just a technicality," said one of the officials.
Mr Bhasin had reportedly proffered his resignation under the Voluntary Resignation Scheme (VRS) scheme, a week ago. But his resignation was rejected by the management under VRS to ensure “he can’t use any post-retirement benefit,” as per the official.
The 57-year-old pilot who has held various senior positions within the airline was under suspension and was ordered to stay away from the national carrier’s premises since the shoplifting incident.
Mr Bhasin had, however, refuted the allegations, calling the incident a ‘misunderstanding.’
He was also embroiled in another serious incident where he had allegedly put the lives of passengers in danger while operating an international flight in the capacity of a pilot in command, three years ago, claimed the official.
Mr Bhasin will serve his last day with the carrier on August 31.
Background:
Mr Bhasin, who had joined Air India as a pilot in 1986, had taken over as the regional director of the flagship carrier’s eastern division three years ago.
In the past, he has also served as the airline’s General Manager of Operations in the Western Region, Eastern Region and in the headquarters.
He was one of the youngest pilots to train in and operate the Boeing 747 and has also commanded the ultra-long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft, besides many other VVIP flights, according to a press release issued by the airline at the time of his appointment as regional director in 2016.
He was also among the first to command Boeing 787 Dreamliners and has operated almost all wide-bodied aircraft the national carrier has been flying, the statement had added.
Mr Bhasin hails from a family of pilots, with his father having worked as one of the longest-serving pilots in the erstwhile Indian Airlines.
His wife and children are also professional pilots.
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