File photo of Kempegowda International Airport.
Airport police on Wednesday arrested a 52-year-old fabric merchant and his associate for allegedly causing panic in the check-in area by falsely claiming they were carrying a bomb in their luggage.
The accused has been identified as Abu Aqeel Azhar Chad, a resident of Wilson Garden. He and his friend were traveling to Ahmedabad on a business trip and went through security checks at the airport.
Police said that due to tight security measures in view of Republic Day, there were numerous checks which led to an altercation between the duo and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. During the argument, the accused questioned the repeated checks and allegedly mockingly claimed to the security personnel that they were carrying two small bombs in their bag.
Despite being warned by security personnel not to use such language, the duo reportedly continued to make the statement, causing panic among other passengers in the check-in area. The CISF personnel immediately detained them and handed them over to the airport police for further action.
The police registered a case under Section 125 (act endangering human life or personal safety) and Section 351 (1) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on a complaint by an airline employee.
The accused were questioned and later released on bail, police said.
Published – 29 Jan 2026 19:36 IST
