Suspicious bag triggers panic at Bhubaneswar Airport; Bomb and dog squad deployed for probe

Tension gripped the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Friday after a suspicious bag was discovered in the terminal premises, prompting an immediate response from the airport security forces.  The presence of the unclaimed and unidentified bag triggered security protocols, and the Bomb Disposal Squad along with the Dog Squad was swiftly deployed to examine the object.

According to initial reports, the bag was spotted in a public area of the airport by alert staff members, who immediately notified the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security. The CISF cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby passengers as a precautionary measure, following which specialized teams were called in.

The bomb squad conducted a thorough check using advanced equipment to scan for any explosive materials, while the dog squad sniffed the bag for traces of dangerous substances. The operation was carried out with utmost caution, keeping in view the high footfall at the airport and the risk such unattended items could pose.

While no explosives have been confirmed so far, authorities have urged passengers to remain calm and report any unattended luggage or suspicious activity. Flyers have also been requested to cooperate with ongoing security checks and remain patient during temporary delays.

Airport operations, though briefly affected in the concerned zone, continued without major disruptions in other parts of the terminal.

Later, it was found that the bag belonged to a female traveller who arrived to Bhubaneswar from Hyderabad. The passenger returned to the airport and claimed her baggage which she claimed to have left it behind. The bag contained some diapers and mobile charger. The security personnel verified the credentials of the passenger along with her travel history. The bag was claimed by the female passenger's relative, sources siad.