Patna Airport Security Alert: Seven Live Cartridges Found in Passenger’s Bag
Patna Airport News
A security alert was triggered at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport on Saturday after seven live cartridges were recovered from the handbag of a passenger during routine baggage screening, officials said.
According to airport authorities, the passenger, identified as 32-year-old software engineer Santosh Tiwari, was preparing to board a flight to Pune along with his wife when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel detected suspicious items during the security check. A detailed inspection of his hand baggage led to the recovery of seven live cartridges.
Following the discovery, Tiwari was immediately detained and handed over to the airport police for questioning. Authorities registered a case against him under relevant provisions of the Arms Act. During interrogation, Tiwari reportedly claimed that he was unaware of the presence of the ammunition in his bag and suggested that someone else might have placed the cartridges there without his knowledge.
Patna Airport Station House Officer Sunil Kumar Jaiswal said investigators questioned the passenger regarding the source of the cartridges and verified whether he possessed any valid licence related to firearms or ammunition. After initial legal formalities, Tiwari was released on a bail bond while the investigation continues.
In a separate incident on the same day, security personnel also recovered an empty cartridge shell from the bag of a 23-year-old student identified as Muskan Kumari. During questioning, she informed authorities that she had found the shell several months ago, kept it in her belongings, and later forgot about it. Since the recovered item was an empty shell and did not pose an immediate threat, police decided not to register an FIR in the matter.
Officials said airport security systems are designed to detect even small quantities of prohibited items, including ammunition, explosives, and sharp objects. The incident once again highlighted the importance of strict screening procedures at airports to ensure passenger safety and aviation security.
Authorities have urged passengers to thoroughly check their baggage before travelling and ensure that no restricted items are accidentally carried to airports. Carrying ammunition without proper authorization is a punishable offence under Indian law and can lead to detention, legal action, and travel disruptions.
