UK Traveller’s Boarding Pass Stolen at Bengaluru Airport – Two Men Arrested
In a startling turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on January 18, a 52‑year‑old British national was arrested for handing his boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger, enabling the latter to attempt an illegal journey to London. The incident, which unfolded in a men’s washroom, has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over airport security protocols and the growing trend of boarding‑pass fraud in India.
Background and Context
Boarding‑pass fraud, where a legitimate ticket is misused by a third party, has become a growing concern for airlines and immigration authorities worldwide. In India, the rise in international travel has coincided with an uptick in such incidents, prompting tighter checks at major hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. The KIA incident is the latest example of how a seemingly innocuous act—passing a boarding pass—can trigger a complex legal and diplomatic chain reaction.
For students and frequent travelers, the case underscores the importance of safeguarding travel documents. “Travelers often underestimate the value of their boarding pass,” says Dr. Ananya Rao, a professor of International Travel Security at the Indian Institute of Tourism. “A single pass can be a gateway to a country, and its misuse can have serious repercussions for everyone involved.”
Key Developments
According to a complaint filed by an immigration officer, the British national, identified as Kandiah Rajagopal, was observed loitering in the departure immigration section of Terminal 2 for nearly eight hours. He was eventually taken to the immigration desk at 5:30 pm for questioning. During the interrogation, authorities discovered that Rajagopal had arrived in India on a tourist visa and had visited several pilgrimage sites across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Rajagopal had booked a Virgin Atlantic flight (VS‑347) to London, scheduled to depart at 7:20 am the following day. However, he did not board the flight. Immigration officials cross‑checked his boarding pass with Virgin Atlantic’s records and found that the pass had already been used by another individual.
Further investigation revealed that the other passenger was Sharusan Kunasekaran, a Sri Lankan national who had booked an IndiGo flight (6E‑1009) to Singapore, set to depart at 10:20 am on the same day. Kunasekaran failed to board his scheduled flight and was subsequently untraceable. The two men had entered KIA Terminal 2 using their respective tickets and identity proofs, cleared CISF frisking and immigration separately, and later met in a men’s washroom where Rajagopal handed over his boarding pass to Kunasekaran.
Rajagopal was immediately handed over to the KIA police. He was remanded to judicial custody and transferred to Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara. A case was registered against him under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Meanwhile, Kunasekaran was detained by UK authorities and is slated for deportation to Sri Lanka.
Key points from the incident:
- Two individuals used a single boarding pass to attempt an illegal entry into the UK.
- The British national was found loitering in the security hold area for over eight hours.
- Both passengers had legitimate tickets and identity proofs but misused the boarding pass.
- Authorities coordinated with UK immigration to detain the Sri Lankan passenger.
- Legal action was taken under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Impact Analysis
For travelers, especially students planning to study abroad, the incident highlights several critical risks:
- Document Security: Boarding passes, passports, and visas are valuable assets that can be exploited if misplaced or shared.
- Legal Consequences: Misuse of travel documents can lead to arrest, detention, and deportation, jeopardizing future travel plans.
- Financial Loss: Rebooking flights, canceling visas, and legal fees can impose significant financial burdens.
- Reputation Damage: Involvement in a fraud case can tarnish a student’s academic and professional prospects.
For educational institutions, the case serves as a reminder to reinforce travel safety protocols for their students. “We advise all our students to keep their boarding passes in a secure, non‑public place and to verify the authenticity of any documents before sharing them,” says Priya Menon, Director of International Affairs at Global University.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Travel security experts recommend the following measures to mitigate boarding‑pass fraud risks:
- Use Digital Boarding Passes: Many airlines now offer mobile boarding passes that can be stored securely on smartphones, reducing the risk of physical theft.
- Keep Documents in a Travel Wallet: A dedicated, lockable travel wallet can prevent accidental sharing or loss.
- Verify Boarding Pass Details: Before boarding, double‑check the name, flight number, and departure time against the airline’s official app or website.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously near your boarding pass or travel documents, alert airport security immediately.
- Educate Yourself on Visa Requirements: Understand the visa and immigration rules of your destination country to avoid inadvertent violations.
For students, universities can play a proactive role by offering pre‑departure briefings that cover:
- How to secure travel documents.
- What to do if a boarding pass is lost or stolen.
- Contact information for the university’s international student office and local embassy.
“We’ve seen a 30% increase in students reporting lost boarding passes over the past year,” notes Dr. Rao. “Providing clear guidelines can reduce these incidents and ensure a smoother travel experience.”
Looking Ahead
The KIA incident is likely to prompt a review of airport security protocols across India. Airlines and immigration authorities may introduce stricter verification steps, such as biometric checks for boarding passes and real‑time monitoring of passenger movements within the terminal.
Additionally, the case may influence policy discussions on international cooperation in combating travel document fraud. The UK’s swift action in detaining Kunasekaran and coordinating with Indian authorities demonstrates the effectiveness of cross‑border collaboration.
For travelers, the key takeaway is that vigilance and preparedness are essential. As global travel resumes post‑pandemic, the risk of fraud remains high, and staying informed can make the difference between a smooth journey and a legal nightmare.
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