Karnataka: Hoax Bomb Threat Prompts Security Check At Mangaluru International Airport

Multiple airports, including Mangaluru, received terror threat emails on Tuesday night from a claimed group called 'Funing.'

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) faced a hoax bomb threat, prompting officials to conduct a security check on the premises. The airport authorities started a search after they received an email asserting the presence of explosives on a plane at the airport, leading to increased vigilance and investigation by the police.

Multiple airports, including Mangaluru, received terror threat emails on Tuesday night from a claimed group called 'Funing.' The email, sent by 'xonocikonoci10@beeble.com,'read: "There are explosives inside of one of your planes. But also inside of your airport. The explosives are well hidden, and they will go off in a few hours. I will kill you all. WE ARE A TERRORIST GROUP CALLED; ‘Funing’". 

Upon noticing the email at 11.20 am on Wednesday, airport authorities promptly alerted the city police, initiating a thorough search at the airport. City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal emphasized the reinforcement of security outside the airport, including the establishment of additional checkposts. Anti-sabotage and bomb detection checks were executed by specialized squads.

The Bajpe police inspector convened a meeting with airport authorities, and subsequently, a case was registered by Bajpe police, in response to a complaint from Adani airport authorities. The case was registered for an offence punishable under Section 507 of the IPC after getting permission from the local court.

In November, Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) achieved a milestone by managing a record 1,78,314 passengers, marking the highest number in the current fiscal year. This figure comprises 1,32,762 domestic and 45,552 international passengers. The November passenger count reflects a substantial 10.3 percent growth compared to the preceding month, as stated in a release from MIA on Friday.

Cumulatively, the airport facilitated travel for 12,86,207 passengers in the initial eight months of the current fiscal year, surpassing the corresponding period's figure of 11,95,499 passengers from the previous year.