“Is There a Bomb in My Bag?” Air India Passenger Arrested After Alarming Comment

Air India Passenger Arrested at Cochin Airport After Bomb Remark

A passenger at Cochin International Airport was arrested after making a bomb-related comment during security checks, sparking immediate concern. The incident occurred Sunday morning when Manoj Kumar, 42, was preparing to board Air India flight AI 682 from Kochi to Mumbai. During the routine security screening, Kumar asked a CISF officer at the X-ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS) if there was a bomb in his bag.

The comment triggered an emergency response, prompting the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) to conduct a thorough inspection of his cabin and checked luggage. No threat was detected, but Kumar was removed from the flight and handed over to local police for further investigation.

Despite the disruption, the flight departed on schedule, according to a statement from the airport authorities.

Serious Consequences for Bomb Threats at Airports

Any mention of threats, particularly words like “bomb” or “hijack,” is taken very seriously at airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, responsible for maintaining flight security across India, emphasizes that even joking about such matters can have severe consequences, including delays, fines, and legal action. Passengers are urged to avoid making any statements related to explosives, as these are treated as serious offenses under the law.