Man detained at Bengaluru airport after claiming he had bombs in bag

Bengaluru: A 52-year-old man was detained at Kempegowda International Airport after he allegedly told security personnel that he was carrying “two small bombs” in his luggage, police said on Thursday.

The man, identified as Abu Aqeel Azhar Chad, is a cloth merchant and a resident of Wilson Garden in Bengaluru. He had arrived at the airport on January 28 along with an associate to board an IndiGo flight to Ahmedabad.

According to the FIR, the incident took place during security checks at Aerobridge Gate 30. While preparing to board the flight, Chad allegedly made the statement about having bombs in his bag. Security officials immediately intervened and detained him before handing him over to the airport police.

A senior police officer said a case has been registered against him under Sections 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 353(1)(b) (statements leading to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

During questioning, police found that Chad was reportedly upset over the strict security checks at the airport. In frustration, he allegedly made the bomb claim, which caused panic and created a tense atmosphere among passengers.

(with inputs from agencies)