Hoax bomb threat on IndiGo Ahmedabad flight triggers security scare at Bengaluru airport

A handwritten bomb threat note found on an IndiGo flight to Ahmedabad triggered a security response at Bengaluru airport. File pic

A handwritten bomb threat note found inside the lavatory of an IndiGo flight bound for Ahmedabad triggered a security scare at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, prompting an extensive security check, registration of an FIR and a police investigation. The threat was later confirmed to be a hoax after no explosive material was found on board.

Threat discovered before take-off

The incident occurred on Thursday evening on IndiGo flight 6E-6423, which was scheduled to depart for Ahmedabad at 8 p.m. According to police, the note reading "Don't go. Bomb Hai! Please" was discovered inside the aircraft's forward lavatory about 25 minutes before take-off.

Following the discovery, airport authorities immediately activated standard security protocols. Passengers were kept safe while the aircraft underwent a comprehensive inspection by security personnel and bomb detection teams.

No explosives found

After a thorough search of the aircraft, officials confirmed that no suspicious object or explosive substance was recovered. The aircraft was subsequently cleared after security agencies completed all mandatory checks.

IndiGo later lodged a formal complaint with the airport police, stating that the false threat had disrupted operations and caused concern for passengers and crew members.

Police register FIR

Based on the airline's complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for leaving the handwritten note. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, passenger details and other evidence to determine the motive behind the hoax.

Making false bomb threats is a punishable offence under Indian law, and authorities have repeatedly warned that such incidents divert critical security resources, disrupt airport operations and create unnecessary panic among travellers.

Similar incident last month

The incident comes weeks after a similar bomb scare involving an IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Delhi on June 12. In that case, a tissue paper carrying the word "bomb" was found inside an aircraft lavatory shortly before departure, forcing authorities to halt the flight and conduct a detailed security inspection.

That threat also turned out to be false after exhaustive checks found no explosives on board.

(With inputs from IANS)