Panic at Delhi Airport as 17 bullets found in washroom
What's the story
Panic had broken out at the Delhi Airport a little over two weeks ago when 17 live bullets were found in a washroom, HT reported. A few hours earlier, a passenger was caught with a bullet on him. Police are probing if the others belonged to him too. Passengers carrying ammunition isn't uncommon, but "seizure of such a huge quantity is unusual," CISF said.
Details
Man traveling to Amsterdam was found with bullet in bag
Around 2am on February 13, a man traveling to Amsterdam was caught with a bullet. He was arrested, then released on bail. Three hours later, they discovered 17 bullets in a dustbin in a washroom near the check-in area. Police suspect that the man dumped them when he saw police "but accidentally left one in his bag." However, there were no CCTV cameras.
Probe
Bullets now sent for forensics
Afterwards, security personnel were asked to check bags of all passengers in and around the airport. Cops said the bullets recovered in the washroom were similar to the one seized from the man. A case has been registered under the Arms Act and the consignment sent for forensic examination. If they are found to be of the same make, police will contact the passenger.
Stats
In 2017, 227 cases of ammunition seizure from passengers
Last year, CISF had registered 227 cases of passengers carrying ammunition at 59 Indian airports. In 223, live bullets/firearms were seized from their bags. There were 29 cases at the Delhi Airport. Most times, passengers say they forgot to remove the banned items while packing, said Hemendra Singh, CISF PRO. But detection is possible due to "baggage scanners and surveillance inside airports," he added.