In a startling turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), a 52‑year‑old United Kingdom national was arrested for handing his boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger, enabling the latter to attempt an illegal flight to London. The Sri Lankan, Sharusan Kunasekaran, was detained by UK authorities and is slated for deportation to Sri Lanka. The incident, which unfolded on January 18, has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over airport security protocols and the growing menace of boarding pass fraud Bengaluru.
Background and Context
Boarding pass fraud Bengaluru is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, airports across India have reported a surge in cases where travelers exploit forged or misappropriated boarding passes to bypass immigration checks. According to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), KIA recorded 12 incidents of boarding pass misuse in 2025 alone, a 15% rise from the previous year. The latest case underscores the vulnerabilities that persist even in high‑security hubs and raises questions about the effectiveness of current verification systems.
For students and frequent travelers, the incident is a stark reminder that a seemingly innocuous document can become a tool for illicit activity. The fact that the fraud was executed within the confines of a public restroom—a location typically overlooked by security—highlights the need for heightened vigilance and robust procedural checks.
Key Developments
According to a complaint filed by an immigration officer, the UK national, identified as Kandiah Rajagopal, was observed loitering in the departure immigration area for nearly eight hours before being apprehended. He had arrived in India on a tourist visa and had visited several pilgrimage sites across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. His ticket, booked on Virgin Atlantic flight VS‑347 to London, was never boarded.
Investigations revealed that Rajagopal had exchanged his boarding pass with Kunasekaran, a Sri Lankan national who had booked a separate IndiGo flight to Singapore. The exchange took place in a men’s washroom, a location that, according to security footage, was not monitored by CCTV at the time. Kunasekaran, who did not board his scheduled flight, was subsequently tracked by UK immigration officials and detained.
During interrogation, Rajagopal claimed he was a hotelier settled in London for 30 years and that he had been injured in a shootout in Trincomalee in January 2012. He admitted to attempting to help Kunasekaran reach London illegally, citing the latter’s inability to secure a UK visa. A case was registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and Rajagopal was remanded to judicial custody at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara.
Key points from the incident:
- Boarding pass was transferred in a public restroom, bypassing standard security checks.
- Both individuals entered Terminal 2 with valid tickets and identity proofs.
- Security footage captured the exchange but lacked real‑time monitoring.
- Kunasekaran was detained by UK authorities and faces deportation.
- Rajagopal is now in judicial custody pending further proceedings.
Impact Analysis
For students and travelers, the incident has several implications:
- Increased Scrutiny at Check‑In: Airports may implement stricter boarding pass verification, including biometric checks, to prevent unauthorized transfers.
- Travel Documentation: Travelers are urged to keep their boarding passes secure and report any suspicious activity immediately.
- Visa Compliance: The case highlights the risks of attempting to circumvent visa requirements, which can lead to legal penalties and travel bans.
- Security Protocols: Airports may enhance CCTV coverage in less monitored areas such as restrooms and lounges.
According to the Airports Authority of India, the average processing time for boarding pass verification at KIA is 3 minutes. The incident suggests that this window can be exploited if security protocols are not reinforced.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Dr. Ananya Rao, a senior security analyst at the National Institute of Security Studies, cautions, “Boarding pass fraud Bengaluru is a symptom of broader systemic gaps. Strengthening identity verification and real‑time monitoring can mitigate such risks.” She recommends the following for travelers:
- Always keep your boarding pass in a secure, easily accessible location.
- Verify the boarding pass details (name, flight number, seat) against the printed ticket before proceeding to the gate.
- Report any suspicious behavior to airport security immediately.
- Use biometric authentication where available, such as facial recognition at boarding gates.
- Maintain a copy of your visa and travel documents in a separate location to avoid confusion.
For students planning international travel, the incident underscores the importance of adhering to visa regulations. “Attempting to use another person’s boarding pass not only jeopardizes your travel plans but also exposes you to legal consequences,” says Dr. Rao.
Looking Ahead
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a review of boarding pass verification protocols across all major Indian airports. The review will focus on:
- Implementing biometric boarding gates to reduce manual verification errors.
- Installing additional CCTV cameras in high‑traffic and low‑visibility areas.
- Enhancing staff training on detecting and reporting boarding pass anomalies.
- Collaborating with international aviation authorities to share best practices.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has issued a statement urging travelers to verify the authenticity of boarding passes and to report any suspicious activity. The statement also emphasizes that the use of forged or misappropriated boarding passes is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment and deportation.
For students and frequent flyers, staying informed about such developments is crucial. Regularly checking airport security updates and following best practices can help avoid becoming entangled in similar incidents.
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