Punched in the cockpit, handcuffed the co-pilot, Indian-origin pilot did a disgusting thing with a 10-year-old innocent

In a shocking incident, an Indian-origin Delta Airlines co-pilot was arrested for alleged sexual offences against a minor at the San Francisco International Airport.

Indian-origin pilot arrested: A shocking incident has come to light at San Francisco International Airport, where an Indian-origin Delta Airlines co-pilot was arrested for alleged sexual offenses against a minor. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office confirmed the case and said that 34-year-old Rustam Bhagwagar was detained from the same Boeing 757-300 aircraft in which he was working as a co-pilot.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department of Investigation began investigating the case in April 2025 based on a complaint of aggravated child sexual abuse. During the investigation, Rustam Bhagwagar, a Florida resident, was identified as a commercial airline pilot. An arrest warrant was issued against him in Ramey. Officers received information that Bhagwagar was scheduled to arrive from Minneapolis to San Francisco on Delta Flight 2809 on the evening of July 26, 2025.

Video of a dramatic arrest

Delta Flight 2809, which was delayed twice due to heavy fog, landed at the airport at about 9:35 p.m. Soon after, several law enforcement officers, including Homeland Security Investigations and air marshals, boarded the plane. Those on the scene described it as "shocking and disturbing." One passenger told the San Francisco Chronicle, "They entered the cockpit, handcuffed the co-pilot, took him down the aisle and took him out of the plane through the doors between the first and coach cabins." At least 10 armed officers entered the cockpit and detained Bhagwagar while shocked passengers watched.

Charges and bail

Rustam Bhagwagar has been charged with five counts of aggravated oral sex with a child under 10. He is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility, and his bail has been set at $5 million. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that its agents worked with the sheriff's office to make the arrest. A spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing locally under the leadership of the sheriff's office.

The silence of Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has not yet issued any official statement on the incident. Questions sent to the airline have also not been answered. The case has attracted widespread attention not only because of the seriousness of the allegations but also because of this dramatic arrest that took place during a commercial flight.

PC:The india daily