New Delhi: The Air India has sought clarification from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) after the Delhi Police boarded its Mumbai-Delhi flight and detained three Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders from their seats ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Airline seeks clarity on police access
The aircraft was directed to a remote parking bay instead of a regular stand connected to an aerobridge. Police personnel then boarded the plane and took the three activists into custody from their seats – 7A, 7B and 7C. The change in parking bay surprised Air India’s security team. A passenger stair vehicle was positioned beside the aircraft, allowing the police team to board. Officers then approached the row where the three CJP leaders were seated and took them into custody. The operation took place in the aircraft, with other passengers watching. Videos shared from the flight showed police officers approaching the leaders and escorting them away. Dipke recorded the incident and challenged the police as they approached. “You can see, the Delhi Police are here. The incident has prompted Air India to seek clarity on the procedures governing police access to aircraft and coordination with airline security teams. Aircraft parking arrangements and access to planes are subject to airport and security protocols, while police may carry out lawful detention operations.
The detention took place shortly after the Air India flight AI 2428 landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday (October 10) morning.
The airline has asked the aviation security regulator to explain the procedure governing alleged police access to a passenger aircraft and why it was not informed in advance about the operation, according to a report by The Hindu. We have just landed, and they are entering the flight,” he said during a live video.
Before the police entered, airline security personnel frisked police and security officers for weapons.
