Passenger’s hoax bomb threat delays IndiGo flight at Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru: High drama unfolded at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Wednesday morning after a passenger allegedly claimed to be carrying explosives while boarding a flight to Ahmedabad, triggering a major security scare.The IndiGo flight was delayed by nearly two hours as security agencies carried out repeated frisking of passengers, thorough baggage checks and a full security sweep of the aircraft. The claim was later found to be a hoax, and the aircraft was declared safe to fly.The accused passenger was handed over to KIA police, who registered a case against him. He was subsequently released on station bail. The incident occurred around 8 am at boarding gate No. 30, when passengers were entering the aerobridge to board IndiGo flight 6E-586.According to a complaint filed by Rushad Homi Kavarana, security manager of Inter Globe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo), the accused was identified as Abu Aqeel Azhar Chad, 52, a resident of Andree Road in Richmond Town. A city-based apparel trader, Chad was travelling to Ahmedabad on business with a friend.After clearing frisking by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, Chad was stopped by airline security staff for a final check before boarding. Irritated by the repeated screening, he allegedly told the staff, in a sarcastic remark, that he had two small bombs in his bag.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."Chad admitted to making the statement, but claimed he did not realise it would lead to such serious consequences," a senior officer said.