Pune Airport: Passenger Booked After Revolver and Cartridges Found in Bag
A 63-year-old passenger was booked at Pune International Airport after security officials recovered a revolver and five live cartridges from his bag during baggage screening. The incident happened on September 19 and was officially reported two days later.
The passenger, a contractor and politician from Solapur, was scheduled to board an IndiGo flight (6E 672) from Pune to Varanasi around 11.40 am. During Level 2B screening at Lohegaon Airport, security staff detected the firearm and ammunition.
According to police, the passenger was carrying a licensed Indian-made revolver and five cartridges. However, he failed to declare the weapon at the checkpoint, which is mandatory under Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines.
Authorities also noted that the license for the revolver was valid only within Maharashtra, while he was attempting to travel to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This amounted to a violation of licensing rules in addition to aviation security regulations.
The complaint was filed by Sujit Balaji Kagane, a security officer on duty at the screening point. Following this, the Airport Police booked the passenger under Section 30 of the Indian Arms Act, 1951. The weapon has been seized and a notice has been issued to the accused.
Senior police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway.
