Mr Gaikwad boarded the train as he failed to receive the message about lifting of the fly ban: Sources
Hours after Air India lifted its flight ban on him, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad took a train back to Mumbai this evening, sources close to the lawmaker said.
Mr Gaikwad, who was at loggerheads with the airline after he thrashed one of its officials, boarded the New Delhi-Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express as he did not receive official communication about lifting of the ban, they added.
According to a railway official, the parliamentarian boarded an AC coach of the train.
"Gaikwad had booked the ticket in advance. Since he did not receive official communication regarding lifting of the travel ban, he took the train as decided earlier," a source in the know of the things told PTI.
The source also dismissed reports that attempts were made today to book tickets in his name for two flights scheduled on April 17 (Delhi to Mumbai) and April 24 (from Mumbai to Delhi).
"He already had train ticket booked in his name. Plus, the ongoing parliament session will conclude on April 12. Why would he book flight ticket for April 17?" the source asked.
Air India today revoked its flight ban on the MP with immediate effect, two weeks after Gaikwad assaulted an airline staffer onboard a plane.
The 56-year-old lawmaker from Osmanabad yesterday wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju expressing his "regrets" over the "unfortunate incident" on March 23.
Air India had imposed a ban on the politician last month after the politician thrashed an Air India manager, bragging on camera "I hit him with my slipper 25 times."