The Air India probe on how industrialist Nusli Wadia’s bags containing a revolver and live bullets cleared security check at the airport is complete.
“The report was submitted to the management on Monday,” said Air India spokesperson S Venkat. “We will take action if laxity is found. If necessary, it may lead to termination of the employee’s service. Negligence at any level cannot be tolerated.”
The Bombay Dyeing chairman’s baggage cleared X-ray screening despite containing a firearm at the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport on January 13. Wadia, who was headed to Dubai, was however, detained and questioned at the Dubai airport.
The family claimed a domestic help accidentally packed the revolver and bullets and that Wadia himself had no knowledge about the contents of his bag.
But a senior Air India official, on condition of anonymity, said that a passenger’s ignorance about his baggage cannot be an excuse. He said passengers are asked questions about their baggage — whether they packed themselves, if they are carrying anything on behalf of someone, if they have anything to declare etc. “These are mandated under law and ignorance is no excuse. Though the primary responsibility lies with us, passengers too are answerable,” the official added.
While Air India officials remained tight-lipped on whether they would question Wadia on his arrival, there are chances the Customs will since the firearm was not declared when it went out of the country. However, Bombay Dyeing officials remained noncommittal on Wadia’s arrival.
{{/usCountry}}While Air India officials remained tight-lipped on whether they would question Wadia on his arrival, there are chances the Customs will since the firearm was not declared when it went out of the country. However, Bombay Dyeing officials remained noncommittal on Wadia’s arrival.
{{/usCountry}}Email Lalatendu Mishra: lalatendu.mishra@hindustantimes.com