Former Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam Subjected to Unprecedented Security Check at Delhi Airport

Strategic Insights -

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel ordered a probe into the incident where 77-year-old former President A P J Abdul Kalam was frisked by staff of Continental Airlines at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, violating protocol norms. The incident occurred on April 24 when Kalam was to board a Newark-bound flight. The security check, which included the examination of Kalam's mobile phone and bag, was part of the Transportation Security Administration requirements. The incident has been condemned by several political parties, with many demanding an apology from the government.

Key Takeaways:

  • A P J Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and a Bharat Ratna awardee, was subjected to a security check by Continental Airlines staff at Delhi's IGI airport on April 24, 2011.
  • The incident occurred when Kalam was attempting to board a Newark-bound flight, and he was required to hand over his mobile phone and bag as part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements.
  • Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel ordered a probe into the incident, terming it as an "unpardonable act" that was beyond the laws of the country.
  • The airline claimed that the security check was a mandatory procedure followed by all carriers flying to the US from most countries, but the incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
  • Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain demanded an apology from the government, stating that the incident was a matter of national shame.
  • Various political parties, including the Congress, SP, and CPI-M, have condemned the incident and called for action against the airlines.

Statistics:

  • Age of A P J Abdul Kalam at the time of the incident: 77 years old
  • Number of airlines staff who conducted the security check:At least one
  • Type of security check conducted on Kalam:

+ Examination of mobile phone

+ Examination of bag

+ Physical frisking

  • Date of the incident: April 24, 2011
  • Number of passengers affected: None (the incident occurred on a VIP)
  • Number of flights affected: One (Newark-bound)

Sources:

  • PTI, "Kalam frisked at Delhi airport by US airlines staff"
  • Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel's statement in the Rajya Sabha (as reported in PTI)
  • Statement from Continental Airlines (as reported in PTI)