Passenger arrested after asking 'Is there a bomb in my bag?'

Airports, including Cochin, tighten security checks nationwide ahead of Independence Day

KERALA:

A flyer was arrested at Cochin International Airport on Sunday morning after making an “alarming comment” during security checks. The passenger, 42-year-old Manoj Kumar, was preparing to board Air India flight AI 682 from Kochi to Mumbai when he asked a CISF officer at the X-ray Baggage Inspection System if there was a bomb in his bag.

This comment immediately triggered a security alert, leading to a comprehensive inspection of both his cabin and checked luggage by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS). Although no threat was found, Kumar was removed from the flight and handed over to local police for further investigation. The flight proceeded as scheduled, according to an airport statement.

Airports treat any mention of threats, particularly words like "bomb" or "hijack," with the utmost seriousness. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, which oversees flight security standards at Indian airports, warns that even jokes about such threats can lead to delays, fines, and other serious consequences.

In a related incident in June, another passenger on an Air India flight from Kochi to London Gatwick was arrested for making a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax. The passenger, frustrated after his request to reschedule the flight due to his daughter's illness was denied, falsely claimed a bomb was on the aircraft.

Amid heightened security ahead of Independence Day celebrations, airports across the country, including Cochin, have increased their checks by August 20.