New Delhi: High alert at IGI airport after firing scare

New Delhi, Dec 5: A security scare at Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi on Friday, Dec 5 early morning triggered panic among the passengers. Security was put on high alert. Around 01:00 am morning, two sharp sounds that sounded like gunshots were heard from outside Gate No 4 of the airport. But there was no eyewitness for the incident.

The control room of the CISF received a call at around 1.10 IST from passengers that they heard sound of gunshots from one of the gates of international departure lounge of the airport. All exit gates were immediately closed and intensive search operations were launched. Operations were halted for 45 minutes. CISF and the Quick Reaction Team swept through the terminal and intensified checking at the airport, but no proof of firing was found. The police are continuing to investigate the cause of the scare.

However, all the major airports in India are already on a high alert following intelligence warning that there could be a terror attack or a hijack ahead of the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on Saturday, Dec 6. Its also learnt that IB have warned of aerial strikes by terrorists from Pakistan or Afghanistan. But Indian Air Force said that it is ready to counter a 9/11-type aerial attack on New York.

Senoir officials said that more contigents of CISF and police are deployed in IGI airport.

In a separate incident a qualis of Haryana registration breached security at the airport gate adding more confusion. Airport officials said that operations are normal. Reports suggest that CCTV footage does not show gun firing at the main area of IGI. CISF ruled out the possibility of terror attack.