Fake call on Al-Qaeda passenger causes flutter

Chennai, Dec 18 (UNI) A call to the office of Chennai Commissioner of Police (CoP) saying an Al-Qaeda member would be arriving in Chennai from Dubai by flight put the men in uniform on tenterhooks as they were kept busy at the Chennai Airport trying to nab him.

Police said the caller, who identified himself as Shankar from Vellore, told them Kabir Mohammad Marakayar would be arriving at the airport here on a flight from Dubai.

The police control room immediately alerted airport officials and the 'Q' Branch Police was rushed to the arrival terminal to keep a watch for the passenger.

However, the police could not trace the passenger in two flights which came during the night. He was finally spotted in the Emirates Flight which landed here this morning.

After an enquiry, the police found Marakayar (54) of Cuddalore was Madrasa teacher working in Dubai for the last 20 years.

The passenger had come here with his wife for Bakrid.

Investigations were on to trace the person who had made the fake call.

UNI