Hoax bomb call to KIA: police yet to trace suspect

 The police are yet to trace the man who had made a hoax bomb call to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday, which delayed departure of an Air Asia flight to Kochi by four hours.

“The police questioned a man and a woman who were to board the flight, based on suspicion. It is not yet known if the two are involved in the incident,” the International Airport police inspector told DH.

The two hail from Kerala and have settled in Bengaluru. Their families had finalised their wedding and the engagement took place at Kochi on Thursday.

The call had originated from a landline number around 8.30 pm, while the flight’s departure was scheduled at 8.45 pm on Wednesday. The caller said that a bomb had been planted in the flight which might explode any time.

The local police, bomb detection and disposal squad, Central Industrial Security Force searched every corner of the flight and the KIA, but nothing was found. Later, they declared it to be a hoax call, following which the flight took off.

There was some delay by the two in reaching the airport. The police verified details of passengers based on details provided while booking tickets. The police found that the landline call had originated from the place very close to residential details provided by the two. Hence, the police detained them for questioning. The two were permitted to board the flight.

“We have informed the Kerala police about the call. It is their duty to trace the caller and take action. A team from the city police will go to Kochi if need be,” the inspector added.