Canadian man held for hoax bomb threat in Bengaluru flight

VARANASI: Panic gripped Varanasi airport on Saturday night after a Canadian national aboard a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight claimed he was carrying a bomb just before take-off. The aircraft was swiftly moved to the airport's apron from the runway and checked for several hours by CISF and bomb disposal squad (BDS) before being allowed to depart on Sunday morning.

Yohanathan Nishanth (23), a resident of Toronto, was arrested by Phoolpur police. Inspector Pravin Kumar said the man appeared to be under the influence. Canada high commission has been informed about the incident.

DCP (Gomati Zone) Akash Patel said no explosive material was found in the aircraft after intensive checking by BDS and CISF personnel. Preliminary inquiry revealed Nishanth had shifted from his seat while the aircraft was moving to the runway. When cabin crew instructed him to return to his seat, he got agitated and claimed to have an explosive in his baggage, besides shouting religious slogans.