Security breach at Delhi airport as 'drug addict' enters airport
In a major security breach, an intruder, reportedly a drug addict, entered the Delhi airport on Saturday.
New Delhi: A major security breach took place at the Delhi airport, a day after the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, when an intruder entered the airport. Officials said a security breach occurred at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on January 27, raising concerns and prompting authorities to immediately increase security measures to tackle the situation.
According to airport officials, an intruder was spotted at the airport by an Air India pilot on Saturday evening.
“An Air India pilot reported spotting an intruder at around 11.30pm as the flight landed safely and taxied to the parking lot,” they said.
“The Air India pilot reported to air traffic controllers (ATC) that a man had crossed in front of the aircraft during taxiing. ATC immediately alerted the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC), prompting swift action by CISF, who arrested the intruder and handed him over to local police,” a senior airport official told news agency ANI.
Delhi Police said the suspect was produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
“Initial investigation revealed that the suspect is a drug addict and hails from Nuh district of Haryana,” they said.
However, Delhi Police refuted all allegations of security lapses on their part as airport security has been entrusted to CISF and DIAL.
“Airport security under CISF and DIAL.. No security loss from Delhi Police…,” they said.
The Delhi airport, which was on high alert due to Republic Day and the VVIP movement on the occasion, was rocked by the lack of security, leading to heightened vigilance from security and safety agencies.
Officials said an internal committee has been formed and investigations are underway to address and investigate the incident
“The authorities have treated the incident with the utmost seriousness, categorizing it as a massive security breach and taking extensive measures to address the matter,” they said.
CISF, Airport Police and DIAL are yet to immediately respond to the unauthorized entry of intruders into the active airport.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia this month imposed heavy penalties on Mumbai Airport (90 lakh) and IndiGo (1.2 cr) for violation of safety rules. The incident was reported where passengers were eating openly on the airport tarmac. .
(With input from agencies)