Media unleashes terror after passenger held for carrying power bank at Mangaluru Airport

coastaldigest.com news network

September 20, 2017

Mangaluru, Sep 19: Within hours after a passenger was detained at Mangaluru International Airport on Tuesday for carrying a mobile power bank in his luggage, mass media across the world issued a “terror alert” claiming that a “cellphone bomb” was found.

According to sources, security officers at the Airport discovered a “suspicious object” hidden in baggage. The passenger who was carrying the baggage was immediately detained and handed handed over to the CISF personnel for further examination around 9.30 p.m. The CISF team examined the device for nearly an hour and found it to be a non-explosive substance.

“The detained passenger had booked a ticket on IndiGo’s flight 6E877 from Mangaluru to Bangaluru on Tuesday. He was then supposed to travel from Bangaluru to Dubai on IndiGo flight 6E95 Wednesday (September 20) at 7.20 am,” a senior official said.

"While screening his checked in baggage, the screener noticed that a power bank was in his bag which looked suspicious (as it showed a green colored thick image). The screener did a physical check and opened the power bank to check and noticed a clay like substance in the power bank,” he said.

However, a controversial tweet by the airline IndiGo not only caused panic among air passengers but also misled many news agencies.

"IndiGo's alert security screener staff at Mangalore caught a suspect carrying alleged cellphone bomb today,” tweeted the airline.

Within minutes, prominent Indian television channels like Republic TV and Times Now broke the “cellphone bomb” news. Many international news agencies too fell prey to the hoax bomb scare.

Airport director V V Rao clarified that he had no information about the discovery of “cellphone bomb”. However, he confirmed that a passenger was detained at the Airport for questioning.

Meanwhile, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate T R Suresh clarified that the seized object was mere a locally made power bank. “After a thorough check, the passenger was allowed to proceed,” he said.

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Siddaramaiah's camp on alert as Karnataka Congress leadership rift escalates

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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