Patna: A spate of disturbing hoax incidents involving tissue papers marked with the word bomb has prompted intensified investigation by airport police at Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.
For the second time in recent months, a handwritten bomb threat was found on a tissue paper inside the lavatory of an incoming commercial flight — this time on an Indigo flight from Ahmedabad to Patna on June 5. The earlier case occurred on an Indigo flight from Bengaluru on October 31, 2024.
Investigators believe the same individual could be behind both incidents. Sources close to the inquiry said it is suspected that the person carries a pre-written tissue in their pocket, heads to the aircraft lavatory after takeoff, and discreetly leaves it behind.
“This appears to be a calculated mischief rather than a genuine threat, but we are taking it extremely seriously,” an officer from the airport police station said.
Passenger Lists Under Scrutiny
The airport police have requested the full passenger and crew manifests for both flights — 6E-921 (Ahmedabad–Patna) and 6E-6256 (Bengaluru–Patna) — as part of efforts to identify any repeat traveller or potential suspect.
In addition, police are examining available in-flight CCTV footage and security camera data for both flights. While the person responsible has not yet been identified, the repeated nature of the incidents has led authorities to believe that a single individual is likely responsible.
“We are cross-matching the passenger lists and reviewing footage carefully. If the same person is found to have travelled on both flights, we will take swift action,” the official added.
Mid-Flight Alarm
In the most recent case, the pilot of the Ahmedabad–Patna flight noticed an objectionable message scrawled on a tissue while the plane was flying over Varanasi airspace. The pilot immediately alerted Varanasi air traffic control (ATC), which in turn informed Patna ATC.
Ahead of the aircraft’s arrival, security preparations were activated. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) cordoned off the landing area and isolated the aircraft upon touchdown in Patna.
A full security sweep of the plane, passengers, and baggage was conducted, delaying the flight for more than four hours. Ultimately, no explosives were found, and the aircraft was cleared.
The flight was carrying 195 passengers and crew members.
Previous Incident
In a near-identical case on October 31 last year, an Indigo air hostess on a flight from Bengaluru to Patna discovered a tissue marked with bomb in the lavatory, triggering a similar security protocol.
Although both incidents proved to be hoaxes, officials say such behaviour constitutes a serious offence under Indian aviation and criminal law.
Heightened Vigilance
With the frequency of such incidents raising concerns, airport authorities have stepped up vigilance on incoming and outgoing flights at Patna airport.
Passengers are being urged to report any suspicious behaviour, and airlines have been advised to brief their staff to remain alert during flights.
“It is highly irresponsible behaviour. We will not tolerate such acts that cause panic and disrupt operations,” a senior official at the airport said.
An official investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement determined to track down the perpetrator and bring them to justice.
