Bomb Threat Note Found on IndiGo Flight to Varanasi....

VARANASI: Panic gripped passengers onboard an IndiGo Airlines flight travelling from Hyderabad to Varanasi on Sunday after a threatening message was found inside the aircraft’s toilet. The handwritten word “Blast,” scribbled on a piece of paper, triggered an immediate security alert and led to an emergency landing at Varanasi airport.

The incident occurred on IndiGo flight 6E 6719. As soon as the message came to the crew’s notice, the pilot promptly informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Varanasi. Considering the potential threat, authorities decided to carry out an emergency landing as a precautionary measure.

Even before the aircraft touched down, security agencies at Varanasi airport were placed on high alert. After landing, the plane was taken to the isolation bay located on the eastern side of the runway. Teams from CISF, the bomb disposal squad, fire brigade, and other security agencies were already stationed there. All 237 passengers were instructed to deboard the aircraft immediately.

Following the bomb threat, parts of the airport campus, including the departure area, were temporarily evacuated to ensure safety. Each passenger was asked to carry their hand baggage while exiting the plane. Dog squads were deployed to thoroughly check bags, and passengers were subjected to individual security checks.

Hyderabad resident Vijay Kumar, one of the passengers, said the situation was terrifying. He described it as the first time in his life he had experienced such intense security measures after landing. He added that elderly passengers, women, and small children onboard were visibly shaken and frightened.

Another passenger, Vikas Jaiswal from Mirzapur, revealed that during the investigation, passengers were asked to write English capital letters from A to Z, numbers from 1 to 10, and provide signatures. At the time, officials did not explain the reason. Later, passengers learned that the exercise was conducted to match handwriting samples with the text written on the threatening note found inside the aircraft.

After a detailed search and security clearance, authorities confirmed that no explosive material was found. However, the incident caused considerable fear and anxiety among passengers, many of whom said it felt like “everything could end at any moment.” The matter is now under investigation to trace the source of the threat and identify the person responsible for placing the note on the flight.