KOLKATA – A 26-year-old passenger from Imphal was arrested at Kolkata airport on Monday afternoon after he made an alarming comment involving the word “bomb” while preparing to board a Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight. The incident triggered a full security alert, leading to a temporary halt in flight operations and the evacuation of a nearly full aircraft.
The passenger, identified as Regal Chongtham, reportedly asked an IndiGo security officer in Hindi, “Mere paas bomb hai?” (Do I have a bomb?) as he stood at the step ladder point of flight 6E 5227, scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 1:30 pm from Bay 57L.
According to officials, Chongtham appeared agitated during the routine secondary baggage and security screening, which had been intensified due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In what is believed to have been a sarcastic remark made out of frustration, he uttered the word “bomb” — prompting an immediate response from security personnel, who took the comment seriously in line with strict aviation safety protocols.
Airport authorities swiftly activated the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC), which categorized the threat as “specific.” The aircraft was immediately moved to an isolation bay under standard operating procedures. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), along with a sniffer dog unit, was deployed to inspect the aircraft and the suspect’s belongings.
At the time of the incident, 179 of the 186 passengers had already boarded. As a precaution, the remaining passengers and crew were deboarded, and a full inspection of the aircraft was conducted using Explosive Vapour Detectors (EVDs). No explosives or suspicious materials were found.
Chongtham, who had arrived earlier in the day from Imphal on flight 6E 6716, was taken into custody for questioning. A resident of Sega Road Jonjeng Hajailukai in Imphal, he was reportedly staying in a hostel in Mumbai. Police are currently investigating the motive behind his statement. Initial assessments suggest it may have been a poorly judged joke or prank, though authorities have not ruled out other motives.
Flight operations resumed after the aircraft was cleared by security agencies.
Airport authorities used the incident to reiterate a firm warning: any bomb-related remarks, even in jest, are taken extremely seriously and can lead to detention, arrest, and legal action.
“We urge all passengers to remain calm, cooperative, and mindful during security procedures,” a senior airport official said. “Any careless statement can compromise safety and cause major disruptions.”
