Mon Jan 27 13:26:14 IST 2025: ## Podcaster Accuses IndiGo of Bribery After Flight Preponement Dispute
**NEW DELHI, January 24, 2025** – Popular podcaster Prakhar Gupta has accused IndiGo airlines of attempting to bribe him with Rs 6,000 to delete a social media post criticizing the airline for a flight preponement incident. Gupta’s initial post detailed how IndiGo unexpectedly moved his flight forward by 15 minutes, resulting in him missing his check-in deadline and being forced to purchase a new ticket.
Gupta claimed that IndiGo’s ground staff were rude and played inappropriate voice messages on speakerphone while handling his complaint. He also highlighted inconsistencies in the fees charged for the rescheduled flight, noting a seemingly arbitrary 90% discount on the original price.
IndiGo initially responded by stating they were investigating the matter. However, after Gupta’s post gained traction, he alleges that an IndiGo representative offered him the Rs 6,000 bribe to remove the post, an allegation the airline denies. IndiGo maintains the payment was a refund of fees.
Gupta has since invited IndiGo’s CEO to appear on his podcast to discuss the issue.
In its statement, IndiGo acknowledged the flight schedule change due to airspace restrictions related to Republic Day, stating that passengers were notified of the adjustment. The airline explained that Gupta’s arrival time, even without the schedule change, would have been past the check-in deadline. IndiGo claims it offered Gupta rebooking on an alternative flight at minimal cost as a “goodwill gesture.”
Gupta, however, maintains that the short notice of the flight change (a text message at 4 AM, 2.5 hours before the new departure time), the unprofessional behavior of the ground staff, and the questionable pricing adjustments constitute unacceptable customer service. The situation has ignited a significant online debate about airline practices and customer rights. The controversy continues to unfold as Gupta awaits a response from IndiGo and prepares for his podcast episode featuring the ongoing saga.
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