Security tightened around kolkata airport after national alert and cisf role expansion
Times of India | 12 May 2025
123 Kolkata: Amid heightened security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India's apt response with Operation Sindoor, tensions have escalated along the Indo-Pak border, leading to a high alert across all international airports in the country.The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Bidhannagar City Police have jointly stepped up security operations around the perimeter of Kolkata airport.This move aligns with fresh advisories issued by the Bureau ofCivil Aviation Security(BCAS) to bolster perimeter vigilance and pre-empt potential threats. As part of the joint effort, CISF and Bidhannagar Police teams have been patrolling key areas near the airport—such as Kaikhali, Dum Dum, Michael Nagar, Rajarhat, and Narayanpur—using loudhailers and police vans to raise public awareness.In the early hours of Saturday, three suspicious men were arrested with two guns and several rounds of ammunition during a special raid by Bengal STF at Purba Beraberi in Narayanpur.Operation SindoorAmid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with timeCeasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': TrumpOfficers said they were distributing security information pamphlets containing vital contact numbers for the CISF control room and local police stations. Residents were urged to stay alert and report suspicious activities, including unattended objects, vehicles parked for extended periods near airport facilities, suspicious individuals, drones, or large unauthorized gatherings."These steps are part of a broader push to secure the outer perimeter of the airport in response to the evolving threat environment," said a senior CISF official on site. "Community awareness is key to preventing potential security incidents."Meanwhile, in a significant national-level development, the BCAS has temporarily expanded the CISF's role at all civil airports across India, including Kolkata. From May 9 to May 18, the CISF was tasked with overseeing cargo and in-line hold baggage screening systems (ILHBSS)—a function traditionally handled by airport operators and airlines. This move introduces an additional layer of security, allowing CISF personnel to conduct random checks and monitor access controls in these sensitive zones."Given the current situation, the govt has taken a proactive stance," CISF said in a statement. "All airports under CISF protection have implemented the revised protocols, and our personnel are now overseeing security staff operations at cargo terminals and baggage screening units." MSID:: 121081385 413 |Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes, messages, and quotes !