False bomb threat triggers panic at Kanpur Airport

Times News Network

Kanpur: Panic prevailed at Chakeri Airport after the airport authorities received a bomb hoax on Friday. The caller claimed that a bomb was placed on a 72-seater aircraft scheduled to land. The miscreant was arrested within two hours of the incident.

At 12:30pm on Friday, a man identifying himself as Mohit contacted the terminal duty cell at New Chakeri Airport, declaring the presence of an explosive device on a 72-seater aircraft at Kanpur Airport. After the call, police commissioner, Kanpur Nagar Commissionerate, and relevant authorities were alerted. The Chakeri police and surveillance teams responded immediately.

Security personnel immediately evacuated passengers and staff from the terminal building. CISF personnel, along with the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs, conducted thorough checks of the premises, including baggage areas, waiting lounges, and parking zones. Local police officials also arrived at the scene to assist in the security operation.

The investigation highlighted that 72-seater aircraft were not part of regular operations at Kanpur Airport, casting doubt on the threat's authenticity. The Chakeri police station lodged a case against an unidentified man and initiated their enquiry into the false alarm.

DCP East Shrawan Kumar Singh confirmed the suspect's arrest within two hours of the incident. "The police have registered a case under applicable sections, and subsequent legal proceedings are underway," the DCP added. Airport director Sanjay Kumar held an emergency meeting with security officials to review protocols. He assured passengers that there was no cause for panic and the perpetrator was arrested, normal operations resumed. "Additional security personnel were deployed across the airport as a precautionary measure," he said.