Flight delayed & passenger arrested due to bomb joke cracked at Cochin airport

A passenger at Cochin International Airport was arrested on Sunday morning after making an inappropriate remark during a routine security check.

The incident occurred at 0640 hrs when Manoj Kumar (42), who was scheduled to fly from Cochin (COK) to Mumbai (BOM) on Air India flight AI 682, made an alarming comment to a CISF officer at the X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS) checkpoint.

During the pre-embarkation security check, Kumar asked the CISF officer, "Is there any bomb in my bag?" This statement triggered immediate concern and prompted the airport security team to take swift action. The passenger's cabin and checked baggage were thoroughly inspected by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS).

After completing the necessary checks, which revealed no threat, Kumar was handed over to the local police for further investigation.

The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) convened at 0725 hrs to assess the situation. The committee classified the threat as "non-specific," meaning it was not credible but still required a full security response. The BTAC concluded its proceedings at 0800 a.m. Later, the flight departed on time.

Meanwhile, in light of Independence Day approaching, security has been heightened at all Indian airports.The Cochin International Airport has already issued an advisory urging passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flights to avoid delays due to the increased security measures during this generally busy season.(UNI)