Bengaluru Airport Security Scare: Passenger's 'Bomb' Remark Triggers Major Alert, Flight Delayed
A major security scare unfolded at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday morning when a passenger allegedly claimed to be carrying explosives while boarding a flight to Ahmedabad. The incident triggered a high-level security response, causing significant disruption and delays.
Flight Operations Halted for Security Sweep
The IndiGo flight 6E-586 to Ahmedabad was delayed by nearly two hours as security agencies conducted thorough checks. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel immediately isolated the passenger's baggage and halted all boarding procedures upon hearing the alarming statement. Passengers who had already entered the aircraft were deboarded as a precautionary measure.
Security teams carried out repeated frisking of all passengers, conducted detailed baggage checks, and performed a complete security sweep of the aircraft. The bomb detection and disposal squad was called in to examine all luggage and the aircraft interior thoroughly.
Hoax Revealed After Intensive Investigation
After extensive examination, security officials determined the threat was a hoax. No explosives were found during the detailed security check, and the aircraft was eventually declared safe for travel. The entire incident occurred around 8 am at boarding gate number 30, just as passengers were entering the aerobridge to board their flight.
Passenger Identified and Arrested
The accused passenger was identified as Abu Aqeel Azhar Chad, a 52-year-old resident of Andree Road in Richmond Town, Bengaluru. According to the complaint filed by Rushad Homi Kavarana, security manager of Inter Globe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo), Chad is a city-based apparel trader who was traveling to Ahmedabad on business with a friend.
The incident occurred after Chad had already cleared initial frisking by CISF personnel. He was stopped by airline security staff for a final check before boarding when, apparently irritated by the repeated screening, he allegedly made a sarcastic remark about having two small bombs in his bag.
Legal Consequences and Passenger's Admission
The accused passenger was immediately handed over to KIA police, who registered a case against him. He was subsequently released on station bail after initial questioning. According to senior officers involved in the investigation, Chad admitted to making the statement but claimed he did not realize it would lead to such serious consequences.
This incident highlights the serious implications of making security-related statements in airport environments, even in jest. Airport authorities have reiterated that such remarks, regardless of intent, trigger mandatory security protocols that cause significant disruption to flight operations and passenger schedules.
The security scare at Bengaluru's international airport serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures in place at Indian airports and the importance of responsible behavior during security screenings. While the threat was ultimately determined to be false, the incident caused considerable inconvenience to fellow passengers and required substantial security resources to resolve.
