Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport was placed under heightened security on Thursday after authorities received an email claiming that a bomb had been planted inside the airport and threatening to blow up the facility.
Security agencies immediately launched checks across the airport premises as part of the prescribed response to the threat. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for airport security, is conducting a thorough search of the facility.
Security cordon put in place
Following receipt of the email, security was intensified across the airport and the premises were placed under a tight security cordon. Personnel are checking different areas of the facility to determine whether there is any actual security risk.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the sender or whether the email specified a particular location within the airport where the alleged explosive had been planted. The assessment remains underway and further details are awaited.
CISF carries out detailed search
The CISF is conducting a comprehensive search of the airport premises as security agencies follow standard procedures in response to the threat.
Reports from local media said authorities are also trying to establish whether the email contained false information and trace its source. Cyber experts may assist in identifying those behind the message.
Passengers and airport operations are being monitored while the security exercise continues. Officials are expected to provide further information after the verification process is completed.
Kolkata airport has received threats before
The latest incident is not the first time Kolkata airport has received a bomb threat. Similar threat emails have been received on previous occasions, with security checks subsequently finding them to be hoaxes.
In February, two separate bomb scares were reported at Kolkata airport on the same day. A threat was found written with lipstick inside an IndiGo aircraft toilet, while another aircraft had a note claiming that a bomb had been placed on board. Searches in both cases found no explosive device and the threats were treated as false.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Thursday's email is a hoax. The ongoing CISF search and security assessment will determine whether any suspicious object or genuine threat exists.