File picture of the Cochin International Airport.
On Sunday, August 11, 2024, a passenger bound for Mumbai was taken into police custody at Kochi International Airport after making a troubling remark during a routine security check. The 42-year-old traveler, Manoj Kumar, asked a security officer, “Is there a bomb in my bag?” while his baggage was being screened.
The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. as Kumar prepared to board Air India flight AI 682. Security personnel deemed his comment alarmingly inappropriate, prompting immediate action from the airport security team. Both his cabin and checked-in baggage were subjected to extensive inspection by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad.
Following thorough checks, which found no threats, Kumar was handed over to local authorities for further inquiry. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee convened at 7:25 a.m. to evaluate the situation, determining that the threat was “non-specific.” While not credible, the comment warranted a full security response, leading to the committee’s conclusion by 8:00 a.m., allowing the flight to depart as scheduled.
This incident underscores the heightened sense of security at airports, especially ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, as authorities have urged travelers to arrive earlier to navigate rigorous security protocols.
