Mangaluru: In a significant breach of passenger trust and airport security, four baggage handling staff at Mangaluru International Airport have been detained for allegedly stealing gold jewellery from a traveller’s luggage. The incident occurred on August 30, when Rajeshwari Padmashali, wife of CRPF jawan Harikesh, arrived on an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru.
Upon retrieving her trolley bag from the luggage belt around 9:30 am, she discovered that the lock had been broken. On further inspection, she found her gold necklace weighing 56 grams, valued at around ₹4.5 lakh, missing.
Police take swift action
The complaint was lodged immediately with Bajpe police station, leading to the registration of a case under theft provisions. Acting promptly, investigators detained four staff members who were employed in loading and unloading baggage at the airport. Sources have confirmed that two of them have now been formally arrested and are being interrogated regarding their involvement in the crime.
According to police officials, CCTV footage and movement logs from the baggage handling area are being thoroughly examined to determine how the theft was executed. Investigators are also probing whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of organised theft at the airport.
Previous complaints raise concerns
The latest incident has reignited concerns among passengers about safety of valuables stored in check-in luggage. In recent years, several travellers have alleged that their bags were tampered with and items such as gold ornaments, cash and high-end mobile phones were stolen.
Airport authorities have faced repeated complaints, with many passengers voicing dissatisfaction over security measures in baggage handling areas. While some complaints were resolved through insurance or compensation, others led to police investigations, though arrests have been rare until now.
Airport security measures under review
Following this case, authorities at Mangaluru International Airport are reportedly reviewing protocols to minimise such risks. Possible measures include installation of additional surveillance cameras in luggage handling areas, stricter staff checks and random bag audits before handover.
A senior police officer stated that coordination between police and airport authorities will be strengthened to prevent recurrence. “We are investigating whether this is part of a larger network. Passengers trust that their belongings will remain safe when they check in baggage, and any breach of this trust must be dealt with strictly,” the officer said.
Passenger confidence shaken
For passengers like Rajeshwari Padmashali, the incident has been distressing. Travelling to attend a family wedding, she was shocked to find her valuable necklace missing. Police have assured her that efforts are underway to recover the stolen ornament and take legal action against those involved.
This case has also prompted calls for increased awareness among travellers to use tamper-proof locks, seal luggage with security wraps, and carry high-value items in cabin baggage whenever possible.
Conclusion
The detention of four airport staff members and arrest of two highlights serious lapses in baggage security at Mangaluru International Airport. As investigations continue, passengers and authorities alike hope that stricter protocols will ensure incidents like these do not recur, restoring confidence in air travel safety.