To investigate allegations on deviation from 'pat down' search SOPs: SpiceJet

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Saturday said the random "pat down" search conducted on various employees, including cabin crew, from time to time was as per security and safety SOPs (standard operating procedures) and that the allegations regarding deviation from these SOPs are being investigated.

According to the airline, the objective of the random "pat down" search -- a global industry practice -- is to ensure that there is no pilferage of company money/goods, smuggling or any illegal activity that an employee may be lured into.

"Based on a specific security tip-off following certain recent instances in other airlines, SpiceJet's security team undertook searches at few of our stations on the night of 28/29 March. A few cases of pilferage were detected and appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated," a SpiceJet spokesperson said in a statement.

"One of the objectives of this search is to ensure that there is no pilferage of company money/goods, smuggling or any illegal activity that an employee may be lured into. This also ensures security and safety of our passengers, our employees and our assets," he added.

The clarification follows media reports on air hostesses protesting at the Chennai airport after they were allegedly strip searched by the airline's own security personnel.

--IANS

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