FIR against Continental Airlines staff for frisking Kalam

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has filed an FIR against Continental Airlines after it forced former President APJ Abdul Kalam to undergo security check before he boarded a flight in New Delhi. The incident has led to nationwide criticism. The Govt has ordered an inquiry and issued notice to Continental Airlines for its 'willful violation' of Indian laws. Surfers' response | Listen to podcast

Delhi Police on Tuesday registered a case against employees of the US carrier Continental Airlines for frisking former president APJ Abdul Kalam in violation of Indian laws.

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"We have received a complaint and have registered a case," Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg told IANS.

It was not immediately clear under which section of law the case was registered and how many people were named in the first information report (FIR) registered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport police station.

But highly placed sources said the case has been registered under the omnibus Aircraft Act.

The case was registered on a complaint of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for allegedly flouting civil aviation norms by subjecting Kalam to a full body check -- the former president was even asked to remove his footwear as he waited on the aerobridge of the Newark-bound flight at Delhi airport recently.

The incident has led to nationwide criticism. The Government has ordered an inquiry and issued notice to Continental Airlines for its 'willful violation' of Indian laws.

"The frisking was absolutely unpardonable," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in the Rajya Sabha. "Action will be taken in accordance with the sentiments of the house."

"The frisking or action per se was absolutely wrong. The former president and other such dignitaries are exempt from such frisking," Patel pointed out.

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