Mangaluru: Personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed at Mangaluru International Airport traced and returned an unattended pouch containing valuables worth several lakhs of rupees to a passenger, demonstrating promptness and professionalism on Sunday morning.
The pouch, which contained foreign currency, a passport, an iPhone, a gold ring and other valuables, was recovered during a routine security sweep and handed over to its rightful owner after verification.
Unattended pouch found during security sweep
The incident occurred at around 6.15 am when the airport’s Arrival Quick Reaction Team (QRT) noticed a small black pouch lying unattended during a routine area inspection.
The personnel immediately informed the Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC), following standard security procedures.
Before opening the pouch, the CISF deployed the Dog Squad/Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) to examine the unattended item. The inspection returned a negative report, confirming there was no security threat.
Only after completing the prescribed safety checks did CISF personnel open the pouch to identify its owner.
Valuables worth several lakhs recovered
On opening the pouch, the CISF found several valuable items belonging to the passenger.
The contents included a passport in the name of Nishal Shahik, an iPhone, a gold ring, 500 Dirhams, US$10,000 (approximately Rs 9 lakh), a boarding pass and bank cards.
The valuables were safely secured while efforts began to trace the passenger, who had already left the airport premises.
Passenger traced through airline records
CISF personnel reviewed the airport’s CCTV footage, which revealed that the passenger had exited the airport before realising that the pouch had been left behind.
Using the details available on the boarding pass, officials coordinated with the airline to obtain the passenger’s contact information.
The passenger was immediately informed over the phone that his pouch containing valuable belongings had been found at the airport.
The pouch belonged to Nishal Shahik, who had arrived in Mangaluru from Dubai on Air India Express flight IX 814, which landed at around 5.05 am.
Valuables handed over after verification
After receiving the call, Nishal Shahik returned to Mangaluru International Airport to claim his belongings.
Following proper verification of his identity and completion of the required formalities, the CISF handed over the pouch along with all its contents to the passenger.
The handover was officially recorded in the airport register in accordance with established procedures.
Passenger appreciates CISF personnel
The passenger expressed appreciation for the honesty and prompt response of the CISF personnel.
As a gesture of gratitude, Nishal Shahik later shared a video message thanking the CISF team for tracing him quickly and safely returning his valuables.
The incident highlights the vigilance of airport security personnel and their commitment to safeguarding passengers’ belongings while maintaining security protocols at Mangaluru International Airport.