In a significant development, Delhi Police have apprehended seven baggage handlers involved in a major heist at IGI Airport, targeting passengers traveling between Delhi and Amritsar. The arrest shed light on a potential nexus between lower-level staff and higher authorities within airlines operating on this route.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Devesh Kumar Mahla revealed that the arrests followed a complaint by Paramjeet Kaur, a Punjab resident. Kaur reported the theft of her gold valuables from her check-in baggage during a Singapore Airlines flight from Melbourne to Delhi on September 16. The theft occurred while she was adjusting her bags for an Amritsar-bound flight after landing in Delhi.
A thorough investigation, including CCTV footage analysis and extensive interrogation of airport staff, led to the identification of the culprits. The arrested loader confessed to not only stealing Kaur’s jewelry but also revealed a history of pilfering valuables from passengers’ luggage, often with the assistance of accomplices from various airlines.
Furthermore, the probe exposed lapses in airlines’ adherence to security guidelines issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Delhi Police. It became apparent that some airline officials were complicit in these thefts. As a result, higher-ranking personnel from the concerned airlines are now under investigation, facing potential charges.
The uncovering of this theft ring has prompted intensified scrutiny of security protocols and staff integrity on flights between Delhi and Amritsar. The incident highlights the need for stringent measures to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar criminal activities in the future.