New Delhi: Alert levels at key airports of Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad were raised to those seen around Independence Day, on Sunday, after a potential hijack attempt tip-off. The alert was issued after security agencies received an email from a Mumbai woman on 15 August.
The email, reviewed by Mint, shows the lady overheard “discussions from a group of six Muslim members that they are planning to hijack an aircraft”, while she was eating.
According to the email, the hijacks were to be carried out in Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, and 23 people were to form a group for this. A meeting of all stakeholders at these airports was subsequently convened to assess this email.
Since the threat was seen as specific, it was advised that security agencies step up monitoring till Monday.
Airlines have been, therefore, asked to do secondary ladder point checking for everyone.
All customers have to be profiled and photo IDs checked at counters and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)/terminal manager notified in case of any suspicious activity.
Aircraft access control also has to be monitored and controlled religiously.
Airlines have been asked “to sensitize all front line staff regarding subjected threat”, said a person aware of the situation, who did not wish to be named.
CISF director general O.P. Singh said the security apparatus at these airports has been put on “an enhanced alert and protocols have been stepped up”.
The CISF has called in its sniffer dog squads and quick reaction teams for undertaking sanitisation drills at the airports, they said.
Press Trust of India contributed to this story.