CISF men go on rampage, damage airport property

: The simmering discontent over the issue of frisking while entering the high-security tarmac side led to the violent clashes between the security staff and Airports Authority of India (AAI) Fire Department staff at Karipur airport on Wednesday night.

The long-pending issue flared up in a showdown leading to the death of CISF constable S.S. Yadav and the clashes and vandalism that ensued.

The airport suffered heavy damage as the CISF men went on the rampage, attacking AAI men and property. A large number of window panes in the terminal and electrical lights on the tarmac were destroyed.

According to AAI and CISF sources, it began with an argument between a Fire Department official and the security men on duty at the VIP gate near the Air Traffic Control around 9 p.m. The official, who alleged that the CISF personnel had misbehaved with him while frisking him with a hand-held metal detector (HHMD), brought more of his colleagues and questioned the CISF men.

The verbal duel led to a scuffle, during which CISF sub-inspector Sitaram Choudhury reportedly pulled his gun out. As the men grappled with the loaded pistol, it accidentally fired, hitting constable Yadav almost point-blank on his neck and chin. Mr. Choudhury suffered injuries on his hand. Sources said the gunshot was fired around 9.45 p.m.

Yadav died on the way to hospital. Infuriated by the death of a colleague, the CISF men went berserk at the airport, beating whoever came in their way.

They closed the gates of the airport and pushed many airport officials out. They attacked fire vehicles, broke window panes, communication equipment and guiding lights on the tarmac. They chased the firemen with their vehicle on the airside, crippling the working of the ATC.

An Air India Express flight and an Indigo flight were not cleared to land as the men continued to clash on the airside. The flights were diverted to Nedumbasseri. The airport was closed around midnight, though the fury of the men continued up to 3 a.m.

Normality was restored by 7 a.m. on Thursday with the intervention of higher officials.