Co-Pilot Rustom Bhagwagar Taken Into Custody Over Child Sexual Assault Charges Following Flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco
✈️ Delta Co-Pilot Arrested at San Francisco Airport Moments After Landing
In a dramatic turn of events, Rustom Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Indian-origin co-pilot with Delta Airlines, was arrested just 10 minutes after landing at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning. The arrest occurred aboard Delta Flight 2809, a Boeing 757-300 that had arrived from Minneapolis at around 7:05 AM IST.
🚔 Swift Operation by Federal and Local Law Enforcement
Authorities from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, along with agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), boarded the aircraft while passengers were still preparing to deplane.
- Witnesses reported at least 10 armed DHS agents stormed the aircraft.
- The agents headed straight for the cockpit and arrested Bhagwagar on the spot.
- A passenger described the scene: “Officers with badges and guns pushed their way through the aisle into the cockpit and cuffed him right there.”
🧑✈️ Why the Co-Pilot Was Arrested
According to official statements:
- Bhagwagar is facing five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10.
- The ongoing investigation began in April 2025 following a complaint received by Contra Costa detectives.
- A Ramey arrest warrant was obtained to take Bhagwagar into custody without prior notice.
🤐 Secrecy Maintained Even From Fellow Crew
- Bhagwagar’s co-pilot claimed he was unaware of the planned arrest.
- Authorities reportedly kept him in the dark to prevent any chance of Bhagwagar being warned or fleeing.
🛑 Delta Airlines Responds
In a statement shared with CBS News, Delta Airlines said:
“Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by the reports and the individual has been suspended pending investigation.”
🚨 Current Legal Status
- Bhagwagar is currently held at the Martinez Detention Facility.
- His bail is set at $5 million.
- The case is being handled jointly by local authorities and federal investigators.
🔍 Summary
The mid-air crew arrest has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised questions about background checks and law enforcement coordination. As the investigation unfolds, Bhagwagar faces serious federal charges and awaits judicial proceedings in California.
