After receiving an nameless tipoff, Indian intelligence agencies have warned the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) that terrorists may imminently goal an Air India flight, and airports all through the nation had been placed on excessive alert.
The alert has been sounded at main Indian airports, equivalent to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, in keeping with the Times of India newspaper.
The warning that triggered a tightening of safety got here a day after an nameless phone name to an Air India metropolis reserving workplace in Kolkata, native police mentioned.
“Air India plane can be hijacked,” a male voice mentioned in Bengali. Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force and detective division have joined forces to trace down the caller.
“We have filed a complaint at Bowbazar police station. Since the threat was a general one, regarding [Air India] flights, we have heightened security on all aircraft operating across the country,” an Air India spokesperson mentioned, confirming the decision.
Afghanistan’s intelligence providers are additionally on alert, having acquired data on a doable hijack of a aircraft flying from New Delhi to Kabul, Pajhwok information company reported.
The nameless name got here as US President Barack Obama is ready to go to India on Republic Day, January 26.
“More security personnel have been deployed in and around the airport. There will be tighter screening of people and anyone who appears suspicious will be detained and questioned. In addition, there are quick reaction teams on standby,” a supply at Kolkata airport mentioned.