IndiGo Flight Delayed, Passenger Arrested Over Hoax 'Two Small Bombs' Threat At Bengaluru Airport

New Delhi: A major security alert was triggered at Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday morning after a passenger, Abu Aqeel Azhar Chad (52) allegedly claimed to be carrying two bombs while boarding an Ahmedabad-bound flight, causing significant disruption. 

The security scare caused the IndiGo flight to be delayed by nearly two hours and during this time, agencies conducted multiple rounds of passenger frisking, intensive baggage inspections, and a comprehensive sweep of the entire aircraft. Once the threat was confirmed as a hoax, the plane was cleared for departure.

The accused passenger, meanwhile, was handed over to KIA police, who registered a case against him and he was subsequently released on station bail.

A senior police official confirmed that Chad was subsequently detained by security personnel and handed over to the airport police for further legal proceedings.

A case was booked against the accused under sections 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, he said.

Two small bombs threat

The incident occurred around 8 am at boarding gate No. 30, when passengers were entering the aerobridge to board IndiGo flight 6E-586. The accused, a city-based apparel trader was travelling to Ahmedabad on business with a friend when he allegedly claimed to have "two small bombs" in his baggage, 

The statement immediately triggered a security alert. CISF personnel isolated Chad's baggage, halted boarding, and deboarded passengers who had already entered the aircraft. The bomb detection and disposal squad conducted a detailed check of all baggage and the aircraft, but found no explosives.

Frustrated by intensive security protocols

Police investigations revealed that the suspect, frustrated by the intensive security protocols currently in place at the airport, admitted to making the false bomb claim in a moment of irritation. 

The suspect allegedly created nuisance and a threatening atmosphere to other passengers, they added.