Email Warns of Hijack Bids, Triggers R-Day Protocol at Three Major Airports

New Delhi: Security was stepped up at the Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai airports after an email warned of "simultaneous" hijack attempts.

OP Singh, Director General of the CISF, which is tasked with securing all airports in the country, said the email was received by the DCP in Mumbai. “A lady overheard six boys discussing a simultaneous hijack plan in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. The email could well be a hoax, but we didn't take any chances. Embarkation (boarding) security increased, anti-contingency plan put in place and meeting of all stakeholders was held," he said.

The security protocols at these civilian air facilities was increased to the level that is done on the Republic Day and the Independence Day and the CISF and the police were taking special measures.

"The e-mail could eventually turn out be a hoax but till investigations conclude all security drills to thwart a hijack like scenario are being carried out at the three airports," OP Singh said.

"The unidentified woman wrote in the e-mail that what she heard could be 'true or not' but she chose to inform the authorities as she felt it was her duty to do so as a citizen," the officer said.

Special anti-sabotage sweeps are being carried out at the three airports since early Sunday and security agencies, including the CISF, were carrying out proper passenger checks, baggage scanning, pre-embarkation checks, secondary ladder point checking and patrols to thwart any bid to storm the airports.

The CISF has also pressed into service its sniffer dog squads and quick response commando teams for undertaking sanitisation drills at the airports, the officials said, even as the airlines have been asked to remain extra vigilant.

"However, there is no reason to panic and all the operations at these airports will be normal and without any hassle to passengers," a senior officer, who is part of airports security team, told PTI.

The police are investigating the contents of the e-mail and trying to get in touch with the sender.

The last time India battled a hijack situation was in December 1999 when Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Mujadhideen group hijacked Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight IC-184 from Kathamandu to Kandahar.

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had to free three terrorists, including Masood Azhar, in exchange of the 166 hostages.