Late for flight, DJ booked for ‘bomb’ remark at Bengaluru airport

BENGALURU: A 40-year-old disc jockey was booked after he made a remark referring to a bomb while arguing with airline staff at Kempegowda International Airport Wednesday.

The accused, Rajatesh Bera, a native of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, works as a DJ in Bengaluru. He was scheduled to travel from Bengaluru to Raipur on IndiGo flight 6E 978 on March 11.

According to the complaint filed by the airline staff, Bera went to Gate No. 16 in Terminal 1 at around 6.10am. He was denied entry by the gate staff as he had reached post the boarding time. When the gate staff said the cut-off time had passed, he reportedly retorted wouldn't the flight stop if there was a bomb on board. The mention of the word "bomb" triggered immediate concern among airport authorities, as such statements are treated as serious security threats in aviation.

A bomb threat assessment committee (BTAC) was constituted to evaluate the seriousness of the threat. Bera was detained and handed over to KIA police. A senior officer said a case was registered under the BNS Sections 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief).

Bera told police that he was in an emergency to board the flight as his father was unwell. He was later released on bail, and an investigation is in progress.