Kalam frisking: Govt files FIR against airline

The Civil Aviation Ministry has filed an FIR against Continental Airlines after it forced former President APJ Abdul Kalam to undergo security checking before he boarded a flight in Delhi.

Certain VIPs are exempt from security checking, but the staff of Continental Airlines went ahead with the security check even after it was explained to them by CISF personnel that Kalam was not meant to be checked.

Earlier on Tuesday, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said that the airline had been issued a showcause notice to explain frisking of former President A P J Abdul Kalam in violation of guidelines.

A few days ago, in a breach of protocol at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, former President APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked by the ground security staff of Continental Airlines apparently at the insistence of their American boss.

According to protocol, Presidents and former Presidents are on the VIP list and exempt from security checks - let alone frisking.

The diplomatic protocol breach began during the first security checking itself when Kalam, like others, was asked to put his mobile, wallet, other items and his handbag in the basket for the X- ray scanner.

The former president who on his way to Newark did not object to the security check.

'Kalam not exempt from frisking'

PTI adds: Unfazed by the controversy surrounding its action, Continental Airlines has implied that former President A P J Abdul Kalam was not exempt from frisking before boarding the aircraft.

"TSA (Transportation Security Administration of US Department of Homeland Security) requirements impose a final security check in the aero-bridge just before boarding the aircraft.

"This procedure is followed by all carriers flying to the US from most of the countries in the world and there is no exemption to this rule," a statement from Continental Airlines said in the wake of a furore over frisking of Kalam three months ago at the international airport in New Delhi when he was going to US.

It said as all carriers flying to the USA, Continental Airlines must follow TSA requirements and procedures.

The statement also said that Continental Airlines was honoured and proud to have had a distinguished customer and "we hope former Indian president Kalam has been pleased by our service".

"Security and custom service are key component for us at Continental Airlines. We believe that Dr Kalam was not offended and we would like to thank him again for flying with us," the statement said.