CISF Detains Passenger at Varanasi Airport Over Cartridge Discovery in Baggage
In a significant security incident at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel detained a passenger on Saturday after recovering a cartridge during the routine scanning of his baggage. The passenger was scheduled to board the Varanasi-Delhi AI1870 flight but was prevented from doing so due to the security breach.
Details of the Security Breach and Police Involvement
The incident unfolded when CISF officials, conducting standard security checks, detected the cartridge in the passenger's luggage. Acting promptly, they stopped him from proceeding to the flight and subsequently handed him over to the Phoolpur police for further investigation. This action highlights the stringent security protocols in place at Indian airports to prevent potential threats.
According to Atul Singh, the in-charge of Phoolpur police station, the passenger was identified as Anand Pandey, a 65-year-old resident of Mirzapur district. Pandey, who runs a business in Dehradun, possesses a licensed pistol. Police revealed that the cartridge had inadvertently remained in his bag, leading to the security alert. Pandey cooperated with authorities by presenting his valid arms licence, which was verified during the investigation.
Outcome and Consequences for the Passenger
Following the verification of his documents, police issued a warning to Pandey and allowed him to return home. However, the entire process, including the detention and police formalities, spanned several hours. As a result, Pandey missed his scheduled flight to Delhi, underscoring the personal inconveniences that can arise from such security lapses, even when unintentional.
This incident serves as a reminder for travelers to thoroughly check their belongings before heading to airports to avoid similar situations. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to aviation security norms to ensure smooth and safe travel experiences for all passengers.
