A tense situation unfolded at Chennai Airport on Thursday morning when a passenger was apprehended with bullet shells in his possession, mere minutes before his scheduled flight to New Delhi. While airport officials later confirmed that the shells were empty, the discovery sparked alarm considering the heightened seven-tier security measures implemented at the airport until August 20th in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations.
The bullet shells, measuring 8mm, were discovered within the shaving kit of a 45-year-old passenger hailing from Uttar Pradesh, located in his hand luggage. Security personnel promptly detained the passenger, resulting in the cancellation of his flight ticket. The incident led to a delay in the departure of the Delhi-bound flight, initially scheduled for 6:00 AM, which ultimately took off at 6:20 AM.
The discovered shells underwent thorough examination to confirm they were indeed empty. During subsequent inquiries, the passenger revealed to security personnel that he had visited Chennai for his son’s college admission and was en route back to Uttar Pradesh. He admitted that the bag in his possession belonged to his brother, a member of the Indian Army, and claimed ignorance about the presence of the bullet shells within.
The apprehended passenger was subsequently handed over to airport police for further investigation. Following an undertaking that he would refrain from carrying such items in the future, the passenger was released.
