UK man arrested after handing boarding pass to Sri Lankan in Bengaluru airport washroom; both held
In a bizarre turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), a 52‑year‑old British national was taken into custody after allegedly handing his London‑bound boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger in a men’s washroom. The exchange, which took place on Sunday, has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over boarding pass fraud in Bengaluru and raised questions about airport security protocols.
Background / Context
Boarding pass fraud has become a growing concern for airports worldwide. In India, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reported a 15% rise in fraudulent boarding pass incidents between 2023 and 2025, with Bengaluru ranking third after Delhi and Mumbai. The incident underscores the vulnerability of passenger verification systems, especially when travelers attempt to exploit loopholes in the check‑in and immigration processes.
For the UK man, known as Kandiah Rajagopal, the motive appeared to be helping a friend, Sharusan Kunasekaran, circumvent visa restrictions and reach London illegally. The Sri Lankan, who had booked a flight to Singapore, allegedly used the British man’s boarding pass to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London, a route that would have required a valid UK visa.
“This case is a textbook example of how a single boarding pass can be weaponised for illicit travel,” said Inspector Ravi Kumar, head of the KIA Immigration Wing. “It highlights the need for tighter verification at every checkpoint.”
Key Developments
• Initial Discovery: Kandiah was observed loitering in the departure immigration area for nearly eight hours, raising suspicion among Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. He was taken to the immigration desk at 5:30 pm for questioning.
• Passport Check: Officials found that Kandiah had entered India on a tourist visa and had visited multiple pilgrimage sites across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. His boarding pass, issued for Virgin Atlantic flight VS‑347 to London, was found to have been used by another individual.
• Exchange in Washroom: After clearing separate CISF and immigration checks, Kandiah and Sharusan met in a men’s washroom. Kandiah allegedly handed over his boarding pass, which Sharusan then used to board the flight to London.
• Arrest and Detention: Kandiah was handed over to KIA police and subsequently remanded to judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison. Sharusan was detained by UK authorities and is slated for deportation to Sri Lanka.
• Legal Action: A case has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The charges include fraud, misrepresentation, and violation of airport security protocols.
“We are treating this as a serious offence,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sanjay Mehta. “Both individuals will face stringent penalties under the law.”
Impact Analysis
For travelers, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal travel documents. The following points illustrate the broader implications:
- Increased Scrutiny: Airports across India are likely to intensify checks on boarding passes, especially for passengers traveling to high‑risk destinations.
- Security Protocols: CISF and immigration officials may implement additional verification steps, such as biometric confirmation of the boarding pass holder.
- Travel Insurance: Insurers may revise policies to cover losses arising from fraudulent boarding pass usage.
- Visa Compliance: The case highlights the risks of attempting to bypass visa requirements, which can lead to legal consequences and travel bans.
Students planning to study abroad may find the incident particularly relevant. “If you’re traveling for education, always keep your documents secure and avoid sharing them with anyone,” advised Dr. Priya Nair, a professor of International Relations at the University of Mysore. “A single lapse can jeopardise your entire academic journey.”
Expert Insights / Tips
Travel security experts recommend the following best practices to prevent boarding pass fraud:
- Keep Your Boarding Pass Private: Treat it as you would a passport. Do not share it with acquaintances or strangers.
- Use Digital Boarding Passes: Many airlines now offer QR‑coded digital passes that are harder to replicate.
- Verify at Check‑In: Confirm that the boarding pass matches your name and flight details before leaving the check‑in counter.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously near your boarding pass, alert airport security immediately.
- Stay Informed About Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the correct visa and supporting documents before departure.
“The technology is evolving, but human vigilance remains the first line of defence,” said Arun Gupta, a cybersecurity analyst at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bangalore. “Travelers should be proactive in protecting their credentials.”
Looking Ahead
In response to the incident, the AAI has announced plans to upgrade its boarding pass verification system. The proposed changes include:
- Biometric authentication at the boarding pass issuance stage.
- Real‑time data sharing between airlines and immigration authorities.
- Enhanced training for airport security staff on detecting fraudulent behaviour.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has issued a warning to its citizens about the risks of using foreign boarding passes. “We urge all travelers to adhere strictly to visa and immigration regulations,” the Home Office statement read.
For students and professionals planning international travel, staying abreast of such developments is crucial. “Awareness is the best defence against fraud,” concluded Dr. Nair. “Keep your documents secure, verify every step, and never compromise on safety.”
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