2 passengers detained after claim of explosives in baggage

Two Bangkok-bound air passengers were detained for questioning by police at the airport here today after they claimed they had explosive devices in their baggage.

Three others of the group, who had arrived here from Goa, were offloaded by the private airline following the incident, airport officials said.

They said stepped up security measures launched in view of observance of Independence Day last week are still in place with airline officials also carrying out checks of hand baggage of passengers boarding flights.

When personnel of the private airline posed some questions to the men about their baggage, they claimed they had explosive devices in it, following which security agencies were informed, officials said.

The passengers apparently gave such a response as they were irked on having had to go through various levels of checks, the officials said, adding they were later handed over to Airport police.

The flight was delayed for half an hour due to the incident before it left for its onward destination.