HYDERABAD: Who is really at fault, and who was responsible for the security lapse? While Andhra Pradesh Police have coolly washed off their hands, by claiming that the Central Industrial Security Force was solely responsible for entire security of the airport, the latter has denied any lapses from their side. If both the agencies concerned wash their hands off, who will ensure then the safety of passengers?
“The CISF is solely responsible for airport security,” said DGP RP Thakur. “The spot where the incident occurred is a completely sanitized area. No weapons of harmful objects can be taken inside there. We will inquire with CISF personnel who were present at the spot to find out how the knife was smuggled inside,” Thakur said.
Denying the claims, CISF said its responsibility begins at only the Security Hold Area. This is where the 100 pc checking of hand baggage and frisking of passengers happen. “Further facts will be brought out after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) inquiry,” the agency said.
As per the National Civil Aviation Security Programme CISF’s focus is only on anti-terror, anti-sabotage and anti-hijacking operations, not on VIP security.
CISF does passenger identification at departure terminals by matching ticket details with the identity cards of passengers. The agency, at this stage, does not check all baggages or frisk all passengers.
Airport staff have the Airport Entry Pass, which is issued by BCAS after verification by local police. It also requires recommendations of Airport director, CISF airport in-charge and BCAS officer.