Kozhikode airport resumes ops, probe ordered into clash

Kozhikode international airport, which was temporarily shut after violence erupted Wednesday night following the death of a CISF jawan, began operations today morning with the arrival of two flights.

"Operations have become normal," airport director T Janardhanan said. Two Air India Express flights landed in the morning, he said.

After personnel of the CISF and Airports Authority of India (AAI) clashed with the Fire Force department at the airport last night over frisking of an AAI official, a tense situation prevailed. Following this, the airport was closed temporarily and at least three flights were diverted to Kochi International airport.

Police said 15 persons of fire force department were taken into custody, pending enquiry. Top officials of home and civil aviation departments will reach the airport soon. Top brass of the CISF had already reached the airport and conducted a preliminary probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, home minister Ramesh Chennithala today said an inquiry had been ordered into the incident.

A team, led by North ADGP Shankar Reddy, would examine whether the act was deliberate or happened accidentally amid the clash.

The minister said Kerala police had taken over the security of the airport for the time being. He has also asked DGP of the state, TP Senkumar to submit a detailed report of the incident. A large posse of police personnel has been deployed at the airport.

A senior police official said at least 11 CISF and fire force department officials of AAI were 'removed' from the airport last night to prevent further trouble. Police has also viewed the CCTV footage of the incident, he said.

Anil Bali, CISF Commandant, said they would fully cooperate. "Police is investigating the case. They are doing their job very well. I am sure they will do whatever is best in a professional manner," he said.

Passengers, who witnessed the violence, alleged that following the death of a CISF jawan, some CISF persons went on a rampage chasing away passengers and other officials with lathies.

They were also reports about CISF personnel and fire force vehicles blocking the runway Wednesday night.