Passenger arrested at kolkata airport after bomb remark delays flight
Times of India | 14 May 2025
123 Kolkata: A 26-year-old air passenger from Imphal was arrested at Kolkata airport on Monday afternoon for allegedly uttering the word "bomb" while preparing to board a Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight.The incident triggered a full-scale security alert and delayed flight operations.The flyer, Regal Chongtham, reportedly told an IndiGo security officer at the step ladder point in Hindi, "Mere paas bomb hai?" (Do I have a bomb?), moments before boarding IndiGo flight 6E 5227, scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 1.30 pm from Bay 57L.According to officials, Chongtham grew frustrated while interacting with airline staff during the secondary ladder point checking and multiple checks of passengers' baggage as part of enhanced security measures because of the current tension between India and Pakistan. In an apparent act of sarcasm, he remarked, "Mere paas bomb hai" to an airline employee. Security personnel, adhering to strict airport safety protocols, immediately apprehended him and initiated emergency procedures.Upon receiving the alert, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) was activated and classified the situation as "specific", leading to the aircraft being moved to an isolation bay in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP). The airport's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and a sniffer dog unit promptly arrived at the scene to inspect Chongtham's belongings.Security protocols were quickly enforced, and all boarding operations were suspended. At the time of the incident, 179 of 186 passengers had already boarded. The remaining passengers and crew were de-boarded, and the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection.Following a thorough examination using explosive vapour detectors (EVDs), authorities declared his luggage safe, and no threats were found. Despite this, security measures were intensified, and relevant agencies were informed.Chongtham, who earlier arrived in Kolkata from Imphal on flight 6E 6716, was taken into custody for questioning. He is a resident of Sega Road Jonjeng Hajailukai in Imphal and was staying at a hostel in Mumbai.Cops said they were probing the motive behind the statement. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of a prank or poor judgment on the part of the flyer, though officials have not ruled out other possibilities.Flight operations resumed after security agencies cleared the aircraft. No explosive materials were found.Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to strictsecurity protocols at airports. They emphasised that making bomb-related remarks, even in jest, can lead to serious legal consequences, including detention or arrest."We always urge passengers to remain cautious and cooperative during security checks to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of airport operations," said a senior airport official.