Bengaluru: A Sri Lankan national was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after airport authorities uncovered an alleged fraud in which another person travelled to London using his boarding pass and UK visa. The incident, which raised serious security concerns, has prompted an in-depth investigation into possible procedural lapses and the involvement of a wider network.
The accused has been identified as Kandiah Rajagopal, a Sri Lankan passenger who was intercepted at the international terminal after suspicious activity was noticed by security personnel. Officials said the case came to light when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) staff observed unusual behaviour near the security hold area of the international departures section.
Suspicious movement alerts security
According to airport police, CISF personnel on duty noticed Rajagopal lingering near the international departures area even after completing initial procedures. Finding his actions suspicious, they alerted immigration officials for further verification.
During checks, immigration authorities contacted Virgin Atlantic, which confirmed that another individual had already travelled to London on flight VS-347 using a boarding pass issued in Rajagopal’s name. The information immediately raised red flags, as Rajagopal was physically present at the airport at that time.
Boarding pass and visa allegedly handed over
Preliminary investigations revealed that Rajagopal had allegedly handed over his boarding pass and valid UK visa to a “friend” after clearing immigration checks. The unidentified individual is believed to have used these documents to board the London-bound flight, successfully bypassing multiple layers of security.
Airport police officials stated that such an act amounts to serious violations under aviation security norms, immigration laws and criminal statutes. “Once immigration clearance is completed, a passenger is not permitted to hand over documents to anyone else. This is a grave breach,” a senior officer said.
Attempt to rebook ticket fails
After the fraud was detected, Rajagopal allegedly attempted to book another flight ticket for himself, possibly assuming the deception had gone unnoticed. However, by then, airport authorities had already been alerted, and his movements were closely monitored.
He was detained and later formally arrested after questioning. Officials said the timing of his attempt to make a fresh booking further strengthened suspicions about his role in facilitating the fraud.
Second passenger under scanner
Investigators have also identified another Sri Lankan national, Sharushan Kunasekaran, whose travel records have become a crucial part of the probe. According to inputs received from IndiGo Airlines, Kunasekaran was scheduled to travel to Singapore on flight 6E-1009 on January 18.
However, airline records show that he did not board the flight and could not be traced in the security hold area thereafter. Police are examining whether Kunasekaran was the individual who travelled to the UK using Rajagopal’s boarding pass and visa.
“This mismatch in passenger movement is a key lead. We are analysing CCTV footage, airline manifests and immigration logs to establish who exactly boarded the London flight,” an investigating officer said.
Focus on security loopholes
The case has triggered concern among aviation and immigration authorities, as it points to the possibility that established security protocols may have been exploited. Investigators are examining how the second passenger managed to bypass identity verification checks at boarding gates.
Officials are also probing whether the fraud was facilitated by negligence, impersonation techniques, or deliberate manipulation of procedures. The role of airline staff, ground handling agencies and security systems is being scrutinised as part of the investigation.
Possible motive under investigation
Police sources said one of the angles being explored is whether the motive behind the act was an attempt to seek refugee or asylum status in the United Kingdom. While this has not been confirmed, officials said such methods have been used in the past by individuals attempting to enter foreign countries illegally.
“At this stage, we are not ruling out any motive. Financial gain, facilitation by agents, or illegal migration attempts are all being examined,” an officer associated with the probe said.
Case registered, probe continues
A case has been registered at the BIAL Police Station under relevant sections related to cheating, impersonation, and violations of immigration and passport laws. Rajagopal remains in custody as investigators continue questioning him to identify the second passenger and determine whether more people were involved.
Authorities have also alerted central agencies, given the international implications of the case. Airport officials said additional checks and advisories may be issued to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The arrest of a Sri Lankan passenger over boarding pass and visa misuse has exposed serious concerns about aviation security and identity verification processes. As investigations continue, authorities aim to establish accountability, identify all individuals involved, and ensure that such breaches do not recur. The case serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required at international transit points to safeguard national and global security.