Stock image of Cochin International Airport. | Image credit: The Hindu

A Mumbai-bound passenger was taken into police custody at Kochi International Airport on Sunday (August 11, 2024) after casually asking a security guard in the middle of a routine X-ray scan of his luggage: “Is there a bomb in my bag?”

Manoj Kumar, 42, was scheduled to fly to Mumbai on Air India flight AI 682 when he made a “worrying comment” to a CISF officer at the baggage screening X-ray system, security personnel said. The incident occurred at around 6.40 am.

The passenger’s question raised security concerns and prompted the airport security team to act swiftly. The passenger’s cabin and his checked baggage were thoroughly searched by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Unit. After the checks revealed no threat, Mr. Kumar was handed over to the local police for further investigation.

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee met at 7:25 a.m. to assess the situation. The committee classified the threat as “non-specific,” meaning that while it was not credible, it still required a comprehensive security response. The BTAC concluded its meetings at 8 a.m. and the flight was cleared for departure as scheduled at 8 a.m.

Shortly before this incident, the local airport authority had warned passengers to arrive for security checks a little earlier than usual at all airports in the country in view of the tightened security measures ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.