Unexpected Incident at Coimbatore Airport: Bullet Found in Passenger’s Shoe
Discovery of Live Ammunition
On a seemingly normal Sunday at Coimbatore International Airport, routine security procedures took an alarming turn when a live bullet was discovered embedded in the sole of a passenger’s shoe. The unique incident unfolded during a security check for travelers bound for Dubai, highlighting the importance of vigilance in airport security.
Who Was Involved?
The passenger at the center of this unusual incident is Shibu Mathew, a 48-year-old man from Ernakulam in Kerala. Shibu has been working in an insurance company in Dubai for the past decade, illustrating that he is a regular traveler accustomed to flying between India and the UAE. His intended flight was to Abu Dhabi on a Sunday afternoon with IndiGo airlines.
The Role of the CISF
The responsibility for this discovery falls to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the airport. During a routine luggage and footwear screening process, sub-inspector Preeti Yadav detected a .22 mm caliber live bullet hidden within the outer sole of Shibu’s shoe. The moment highlights the crucial role that airport security plays in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining the integrity of air travel.
Passenger’s Reaction
Upon questioning by CISF officers, Shibu expressed his surprise and confusion, claiming he had no knowledge of how the bullet ended up in his shoe. This claim raises questions about how the bullet could have been lodged there without the passenger’s awareness, further complicating an already perplexing situation.
Legal Implications
The legality of carrying ammunition in India is strict. According to Indian law, transporting ammunition in a handbag or on one’s person requires a valid license or authorization. The discovery of the bullet inevitably led to Shibu being handed over to the Peelamedu police, who promptly registered a case against him. This step is critical in maintaining legal protocols concerning the transportation of potentially hazardous items.
Preliminary Investigations
Initial investigations have shown that Shibu may have been completely unaware of the firearm-related object accompanying him on his journey. Both the CISF and local police are conducting further inquiries to ascertain how this situation unfolded and whether there are mitigating factors that contributed to the incident.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Investigation
While the incident has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about security and negligence in baggage handling, investigations are ongoing. Authorities are diligently examining the circumstances surrounding how the live bullet appeared in a seemingly everyday context, reflecting the intricacies and occasional absurdities of modern air travel.
