Security at cargo complex beefed up

Following the heist at the domestic airport on May 25, 2009, in which four masked men stole gold and silver coins, the security at the Air India cargo section has been beefed up.

Following the heist at the domestic airport on May 25, 2009, in which four masked men stole gold and silver coins, the security at the Air India cargo section has been beefed up.

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Air India spokesman GP Rao said: “The cargo area is always on high alert. An unidentified person or vehicle cannot reach it. There are several consignments that come in every day, many of them high-value. Incidents such as the heist are very rare. Nevertheless, manpower has been increased and security beefed up.” None of the guards or the security in-charge were willing to talk about the measures. “We are not authorised to talk to anyone,” a guard said.

At the main entrance of the cargo area sit two security persons. Here, all vehicles and persons are scrutinised and allowed to enter only after producing a valid identification. A few metres ahead are barricades.

Several armed guards could be spotted inside the cargo terminal. The security men said they were trained to manage any situation.

“A person without a valid permit or pass cannot enter the premises,” said Rao.

Another guard at the terminal, while refusing to detail the security measures, said: “There have been major changes in the security set-up.”