In a bizarre 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, hoping to smuggle the latter onto a flight to London. The incident, which unfolded on January 18, has sparked fresh scrutiny over boarding pass fraud at Bengaluru airport and raised questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols.
Background and Context
Boarding pass fraud is a growing concern for airports worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines reported a 12% increase in fraudulent boarding pass incidents between 2023 and 2024. Bengaluru, India’s fourth‑largest city, handles over 30 million passengers annually, making it a high‑risk hub for such schemes. The KIA security team has recently upgraded its biometric verification system, yet this case shows that human ingenuity can still exploit gaps in the process.
In the present case, the UK man, identified as Kandiah Rajagopal, had purchased a ticket for Virgin Atlantic flight VS‑347 to London. He arrived at KIA with a valid tourist visa and a passport stamped with multiple Indian entries. The Sri Lankan national, Sharusan Kunasekaran, had booked a separate IndiGo flight to Singapore but never boarded. The two met in a secluded men’s washroom, where Rajagopal allegedly slipped his boarding pass to Kunasekaran, who then attempted to use it to board the London flight.
Key Developments
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officers noticed Rajagopal’s suspicious behavior in the departure immigration area for nearly eight hours. He was taken to the immigration desk at 5:30 pm for questioning. During the interrogation, officials discovered that Rajagopal’s boarding pass had already been used by another passenger, as confirmed by Virgin Atlantic’s records. Meanwhile, Kunasekaran’s flight to Singapore was scheduled for 10:20 am the same day, but he did not board and was subsequently untraceable.
Following the discovery, Rajagopal was handed over to KIA police and charged under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He was remanded to judicial custody and transferred to Bengaluru Central Prison. Kunasekaran was reported to UK authorities, who are now processing his deportation to Sri Lanka. The incident has prompted a review of boarding pass handling procedures at KIA, with officials promising tighter checks and enhanced staff training.
Impact on Travelers
For international travelers, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to security protocols. Key takeaways include:
- Never share your boarding pass. Even a trusted acquaintance can be a conduit for fraud.
- Verify boarding pass details. Airlines now provide real‑time verification tools for passengers to confirm their own boarding passes.
- Report suspicious behavior. If you notice someone acting oddly near security checkpoints, alert staff immediately.
Students and young professionals planning to study or work abroad should also be aware that fraudulent boarding passes can lead to visa revocation, travel bans, and legal penalties. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for those who might consider shortcuts to international travel.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson from the KIA Security Division said, “This case highlights a loophole that can be exploited by individuals with malicious intent. We are enhancing our biometric boarding pass system and will conduct random checks in all terminal areas, including washrooms, to deter such activities.”
Airline security analyst Dr. Priya Menon added, “Boarding pass fraud is not just about the physical pass; it’s about the trust system airlines place in passengers. Strengthening digital verification and educating travelers are the twin pillars of prevention.”
For travelers, here are practical steps to safeguard against boarding pass fraud:
- Use the airline’s mobile app. Most carriers now issue digital boarding passes that are harder to tamper with.
- Keep your boarding pass in a secure pocket. Avoid leaving it in open areas where it can be accessed by others.
- Confirm your flight details with the airline. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the airline immediately.
- Stay informed about airport security updates. Follow official airport and airline channels for the latest safety advisories.
Students planning to travel for education should also verify their visa status and ensure all documentation is in order before departure. Universities often provide travel safety workshops that cover these topics.
Looking Ahead
The KIA authorities have announced a phased rollout of a new biometric boarding pass system that will integrate facial recognition and RFID chips. This upgrade aims to reduce the possibility of pass swapping by ensuring that the passenger’s biometric data matches the boarding pass in real time. Additionally, the airport plans to install more CCTV cameras in washrooms and other secluded areas to deter illicit exchanges.
On a broader scale, the incident has prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to issue a directive to all Indian airports to review their boarding pass handling procedures. The directive includes mandatory staff training on fraud detection and the implementation of a “boarding pass audit” system that cross‑checks passenger identities at multiple checkpoints.
For travelers, the key message is clear: security is a shared responsibility. By staying alert, using digital tools, and following airline protocols, passengers can help maintain the integrity of the travel system and avoid becoming unwitting participants in fraud schemes.
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