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Federal agents arrested Rustom Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Indian-origin Delta Airlines co-pilot, on July 26, 2025, moments after Delta Flight 2809 landed at San Francisco International Airport.
Authorities charged Bhagwagar with 24 felony counts, including oral copulation with a child under 10, lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault, following a three-month investigation into child sex abuse allegations. The dramatic arrest unfolded in the cockpit of a Boeing 757-300 in front of stunned passengers.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation in April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child. Detectives identified Bhagwagar, a Florida resident, as the suspect and secured a Ramey arrest warrant. Learning he was scheduled to co-pilot Delta Flight 2809 from Minneapolis, authorities coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to apprehend him.
At approximately 9:35 p.m., after a delayed landing due to heavy fog, at least 10 armed officials, including HSI agents and air marshals, stormed the cockpit, handcuffed Bhagwagar, and escorted him through the cabin. A passenger described the scene to The San Francisco Chronicle, noting officers with badges and guns swiftly moved through the aisle, leaving the co-pilot and passengers shocked. A second team later retrieved Bhagwagar’s belongings.
They stormed the cockpit, cuffed the co-pilot, walked him down the aisle, and ushered him off the plane through the cabin doors between first and coach.
One of the passengers
Bhagwagar was originally charged with five counts of oral copulation involving a child under the age of 10. However, the case has since expanded, and he now faces a total of 24 felony charges, including multiple counts of lewd acts with a minor and aggravated sexual assault. The victim, the daughter of Bhagwagar’s ex-girlfriend, alleged abuse from ages six to 11, occurring multiple times a week, sometimes in the presence of her mother, Jennifer Powell.
Authorities also arrested Powell, charging her with multiple felony counts for allegedly participating in the abuse. Bhagwagar was initially held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $5 million bail, later increased to $15 million as charges expanded. Powell is also held on $15 million bail. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, led by Diana Becton, emphasized its commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable.
"Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable," Becton said in a statement. "Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs."
Delta Airlines suspended Bhagwagar pending an internal investigation and issued a statement to CBS News, saying, “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest.” The airline has refrained from further comment, directing inquiries to law enforcement.
Rustom Bhagwagar, born December 15, 1990, currently resides in Florida and has prior ties to San Ramon, California. While some reports suggest a connection to Texas, this remains unconfirmed. Licensed to fly a Boeing 757-300, Bhagwagar now faces serious charges that have sent shockwaves through the aviation industry.
As the investigation remains active, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The case has sparked widespread public concern about pilot screening procedures and airline accountability. As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on systemic safeguards—and the urgent need to protect children from abuse, even by those in positions of high responsibility.
(Rh/Eth/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)
