Man detained at Cochin airport for allegedly threatening to hijack Mumbai-bound flight

“The airline has informed relevant authority of the same for further necessary action and has offered full cooperation.” (Representational Image/File)

A man was detained on Monday by Cochin International Airport authorities for allegedly threatening to hijack a Jet Airways flight, PTI quoted an airport spokesman as saying. Clince Varghese, belonging to Thrissur district, was taken into custody after a worker of the airlines overheard him talk about a ‘happy bomb’.

Varghese was taken off the plane after the ground staff informed the supervisory officers, who took the matter to the CISF and the domestic terminal manager. Following the due security procedures, his baggage was thoroughly checked and he was handed over to the police. On being questioned by the officials, Varghese said he was expressing happiness to his friend in Mumbai on Facebook chat.

The authorities detained another person along with him for questioning, while the rest of the passengers were offloaded for completing security procedures.

The departure of the Mumbai-bound flight 9W 825, which was was scheduled to leave at 12.05 pm, was delayed by two hours as the timing of take-off was rescheduled to 02.02 pm. The Jet Airways issued a statement saying, “The airline has informed relevant authority of the same for further necessary action and has offered full cooperation. Safety and security of our guests, crews and assets is of paramount importance.”

Pls refer to our official statement: pic.twitter.com/HSXCnLExPf

— Jet Airways (@jetairways) November 13, 2017