Mumbai: A bomb scare at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on August 9 triggered a security operation and delayed an IndiGo flight to Delhi by nearly an hour after a passenger allegedly told security personnel that there was a bomb in his baggage.
The incident occurred at around 7.25 am near Boarding Gate 45A at the airport’s Sahar terminal. The passenger was travelling on IndiGo flight 6E333, which was scheduled to depart for Delhi at around 8 am.
The passenger was later identified as 55-year-old Anuj Jayaram Suvarna.
Passenger allegedly claims bomb in baggage
According to the complaint filed in connection with the incident, security personnel were checking the passenger’s baggage before boarding.
As part of the routine security questioning, the staff asked whether he was carrying items such as a matchbox, lighter, scissors, nail cutter, liquid or spray.
The passenger allegedly responded by stating that there was a bomb in his bag.
The security team immediately alerted the airline’s assistant manager after the alleged statement was made.
Given the nature of the claim, the passenger was prevented from boarding and was subsequently offloaded from the flight. His two bags were also removed from the aircraft.
CISF called in after bomb claim
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was called to the spot following the alleged bomb threat.
As a precautionary measure, all passengers on the Delhi-bound flight were deboarded.
Security personnel then conducted a thorough search of the aircraft and followed the prescribed security procedures to determine whether there was any threat.
The alleged claim resulted in heightened security measures at the boarding area and temporarily disrupted the flight’s departure.
After the security checks were completed and the aircraft was cleared to operate, the IndiGo flight eventually departed for Delhi at around 9 am.
The flight was therefore delayed by nearly an hour from its scheduled departure time.
Passenger complaint leads to FIR
According to the complaint, the alleged bomb claim caused panic and distress among passengers travelling on the flight.
The incident also resulted in financial losses for IndiGo, the complaint stated.
Sahar Police registered an FIR in connection with the incident on August 9.
The case has been registered under Sections 125 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complaint was filed by an assistant security manager with IndiGo who was on duty at the airport when the incident occurred.
Police Sub-Inspector Shankar Laxman Khade has been appointed as the investigating officer.
Police investigating circumstances
The police investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged statement and determine the facts of the case.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events at the boarding gate, the security checks conducted before boarding and the subsequent aircraft search.
The circumstances in which the passenger allegedly made the bomb claim will also form part of the investigation.
The police will also examine relevant records and other available evidence connected with the incident.
At this stage, the allegations against the passenger are subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Flight operations resumed after checks
The incident briefly disrupted operations for passengers travelling on the Delhi-bound flight.
Following the completion of the security inspection, passengers were allowed to continue their journey after the aircraft was cleared.
The flight eventually left Mumbai at around 9 am, nearly an hour after its scheduled departure.
Airport security protocols require airlines and security agencies to treat any statement suggesting the presence of an explosive device seriously, even when the claim ultimately proves unfounded.
Such procedures can involve deboarding passengers, isolating baggage and conducting detailed searches before an aircraft is permitted to depart.
Investigation continues
The Sahar Police investigation will determine whether the alleged bomb statement was made deliberately and what circumstances led to the incident.
The case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the BNS, and further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The incident highlights the strict security measures followed at airports in response to any potential threat and the operational disruption that can follow even an unverified claim.
With the investigation continuing, police are examining the available evidence to establish the full sequence of events surrounding the alleged bomb scare at Mumbai airport.
