The Mopa airport police have registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) involving passengers for endangering flight safety and carrying prohibited electronic equipment at the Manohar International Airport (MIA). These incidents highlight the strict enforcement of aviation security regulations.
First Incident: Mid-Air Emergency Exit Scare
In the first case, 22-year-old Sidhant Herle, a resident of Sangli, Maharashtra, was booked for causing a mid-air scare aboard Indigo flight 6E-2271 from Delhi to Goa on April 27. According to the complaint filed by Indigo’s security manager, Herle, who was seated at 18A, allegedly opened the safety cover of the emergency exit door while the aircraft was in flight. This action jeopardised the lives of fellow passengers and crew members. He has been charged under Section 125 of the BNS 2023 for acts endangering life or personal safety.
Second Incident: Unauthorised GPS Device
In another case on April 28, airport security intercepted 35-year-old Madhev Varak, a native of Sattari, during pre-boarding screening for a Hyderabad-bound Indigo flight. Security personnel detected an unauthorised GPS device in Varak’s handbag. As the passenger failed to produce a valid licence for the prohibited device, he was booked under Section 3 read with Section 6 (1A) of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Both accused were issued notices under Section 35 (3) of BNSS to join the investigation. PSI Ashish Parab and PSI Sagar Vazarkar are conducting further probes into these matters. The police have emphasised the importance of adhering to aviation safety protocols and regulations regarding electronic devices.
