‘Bomb In My Bag’ Remark Lands Air India Passenger In Trouble At Kochi Airport

An Air India passenger was arrested at the Kochi Airport after he casually asked a CISF officer; "Is there any bomb in my bag?”.

A Mumbai-bound Air India passenger was detained at the Kochi Airport after he made a casual reference to a ‘bomb’ to a CISF officer during a routine security check, officials said Sunday.

In a statement, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) said 42-year-old Manoj Kumar, who was scheduled to fly from Cochin to Mumbai on an Air India flight on Sunday morning made an “alarming” comment to a CISF officer at the x-ray baggage inspection counter.

“During the pre-embarkation security check, Mr. Kumar asked the CISF officer, “Is there any bomb in my bag?” This statement triggered immediate concern and prompted the airport security team to take swift action,” the CIAL said.

Following his “alarming comment”, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) thoroughly inspected Kumar’s cabin and checked baggage, but no threat was revealed after the completion of necessary checks, the CIAL said, adding the passenger was handed over to the local police for further investigation,

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC), which was convened to assess the situation, classified the threat as “non-specific,” meaning it was not credible but still required a full security response, it said.

The airport authority said the flight departed on its scheduled time after the BTAC concluded its proceedings.

CIAL said that security arrangements have been heightened at all airports in view of Independence Day.

The Cochin International Airport has already issued an advisory urging passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flights to avoid delays due to the increased security measures during this generally busy season, it added.

(With PTI inputs)