In a startling turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), a 52‑year‑old British national was arrested after handing his boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger in a men’s washroom, a move that has sparked fresh scrutiny over boarding pass fraud Bengaluru airport. Both men were detained on charges of violating immigration and security protocols, and the incident has raised alarms about the ease with which fraudulent travel documents can be exchanged in high‑traffic airports.
Background/Context
Boarding pass fraud Bengaluru airport is not a new phenomenon. Airports worldwide have reported incidents where travelers swap or forge boarding passes to bypass visa checks or travel restrictions. However, the KIA case is unique because it involved a direct hand‑off of a legitimate ticket in a public restroom, a setting that has never before been used for such a crime. The incident underscores the growing sophistication of fraudsters and the need for tighter verification processes at international hubs.
India’s aviation sector has seen a 12% rise in passenger traffic over the past year, with Bengaluru’s KIA handling more than 4.5 million travelers annually. Amid this surge, security agencies have intensified their focus on preventing document fraud, especially after a series of high‑profile cases involving forged passports and counterfeit boarding passes across the country.
Key Developments
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and immigration officials at KIA’s Terminal 2 noticed suspicious behaviour from the British man, identified as Kandiah Rajagopal. He had been lingering in the departure immigration area for nearly eight hours, a duration that raised red flags. When questioned, Rajagopal admitted that he had booked a Virgin Atlantic flight to London but had not boarded.
Investigations revealed that Rajagopal had met Sharusan Kunasekaran, a Sri Lankan national who had booked a separate IndiGo flight to Singapore. After both cleared separate security checks, the two met in a men’s washroom where Rajagopal handed over his boarding pass. The exchange was recorded by CCTV footage, which later became crucial evidence for the authorities.
Subsequent verification with Virgin Atlantic confirmed that the boarding pass had already been used by another passenger, indicating that Rajagopal’s claim of having flown was false. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan passenger’s IndiGo ticket remained unused, and he was unable to be located after the exchange.
Both men were taken into custody. Rajagopal was charged under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and remanded to judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison. Kunasekaran was detained by UK immigration authorities and is slated for deportation to Sri Lanka. The case has prompted a review of boarding pass verification protocols at KIA and has led to the deployment of additional CCTV cameras in washroom areas.
Impact Analysis
For travelers, especially students and professionals planning international trips, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding travel documents. The ease with which Rajagopal was able to swap his boarding pass in a public restroom highlights gaps in current security measures.
- Increased scrutiny at security checkpoints: Airports may now implement stricter checks on boarding passes, including biometric verification and real‑time ticket validation.
- Heightened risk for visa‑dependent travelers: Students on student visas or professionals on work permits may face additional scrutiny if their documents are suspected of being compromised.
- Potential delays and cancellations: Airlines may impose stricter boarding procedures, leading to longer wait times and possible flight cancellations for those with questionable documents.
For educational institutions, the incident underscores the need for robust travel policies for students studying abroad. Universities and host institutions should ensure that students are aware of the legal implications of tampering with travel documents and the potential consequences of being caught.
Expert Insights/Tips
According to Dr. Ananya Rao, a senior aviation security analyst at the Indian Institute of Technology, “The KIA incident is a textbook example of how fraud can exploit human factors—trust, complacency, and the assumption that a boarding pass is a foolproof proof of identity.” She recommends the following practical steps for travelers:
- Always keep your boarding pass in a secure, visible place: Avoid leaving it in public areas where it can be easily swapped.
- Verify the boarding pass details: Cross‑check the name, flight number, and seat assignment with the airline’s official app or website before boarding.
- Use biometric verification: Many airports now offer facial recognition or fingerprint scanning at the boarding gate. Opt for these methods when available.
- Report suspicious behaviour: If you notice someone acting oddly near your boarding pass or attempting to approach you, alert security personnel immediately.
- Keep a digital copy: Store a scanned version of your boarding pass on a secure cloud service; this can help verify authenticity if discrepancies arise.
For students, Ms. Priya Menon, a travel advisor at StudyAbroad.com, advises, “Always double‑check your visa status and ensure that your travel documents are in order before you leave home. A single mistake can lead to detention, fines, or even deportation.” She also highlights the importance of staying informed about the latest travel advisories issued by both the Indian and destination governments.
Looking Ahead
The KIA incident is likely to trigger a series of policy changes aimed at tightening boarding pass verification. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced plans to integrate a real‑time ticket validation system across all major Indian airports, allowing security personnel to instantly confirm the authenticity of boarding passes against airline databases.
Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is exploring the deployment of AI‑powered facial recognition kiosks at boarding gates. These kiosks will cross‑verify the passenger’s face with the photo on the boarding pass, adding an extra layer of security.
On the international front, the UK Home Office has issued a warning to Sri Lankan nationals about the risks of attempting to use forged or swapped boarding passes. The UK authorities are also collaborating with Indian immigration officials to share intelligence on potential fraud networks.
For students and travelers, staying ahead of these developments means staying informed. Regularly check the official websites of airlines, airports, and immigration authorities for updates on security protocols and travel advisories. Consider enrolling in travel safety workshops offered by universities or travel agencies, which cover topics such as document security, fraud prevention, and emergency response.
In the wake of this incident, KIA has pledged to conduct a comprehensive audit of its security infrastructure, focusing on washroom surveillance and boarding pass verification processes. The audit will also assess the effectiveness of current training programs for security staff and identify areas for improvement.
While the immediate fallout involves the arrest of Rajagopal and the detention of Kunasekaran, the broader implications touch on the integrity of international travel systems and the safety of millions of passengers who rely on accurate documentation to cross borders.
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