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New Delhi: A major security investigation is underway after a bomb threat note was found on an Air India Express flight operating from Dammam to Delhi on August 31. Ahmedabad Police are probing both a crew member and a passenger in connection with the threatening message that forced the aircraft to divert to Ahmedabad as a precautionary measure.
The investigation began after Air India Express filed a complaint with Ahmedabad Airport Police following the discovery of the threat note onboard the flight. Security agencies immediately carried out checks after the aircraft landed safely in Ahmedabad.
Sources involved in the investigation said police examined the handwriting samples of passengers and crew members onboard the flight to identify the person who wrote the threat note.
According to sources, a handwriting comparison reportedly showed a 75 per cent match between the note and a crew member’s handwriting. However, investigators have clarified that the analysis is not being treated as final evidence and is only one part of the ongoing probe.
The crew member was among the eight-member flight crew, which included four pilots and four cabin crew members. All crew members were questioned multiple times after the aircraft landed in Ahmedabad.
While most crew members were allowed to leave after questioning, one member was asked to remain in the city for further investigation.
Police are also investigating the role of one of the 32 passengers who travelled on the Dammam-Delhi flight.
During questioning, a fellow passenger reportedly told investigators that the individual had visited the aircraft lavatory multiple times and displayed behaviour that appeared suspicious.
Officials, however, have not reached any conclusion and are examining all possible angles in the case.
Investigators have maintained that the probe is still ongoing and no person has been officially identified as the author of the threat note.
The FIR registered on the basis of Air India Express’ complaint remains the foundation of the investigation, with police continuing to collect evidence and question individuals connected with the flight.
Air India Express said it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies investigating the security-related incident.
The airline condemned any action that could compromise the safety of passengers, crew members, and flight operations, adding that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
