Surat-Kolkata flight delayed as passenger caught smoking beedi in restroom

A bizarre incident unfolded on a Surat-to-Kolkata flight when a passenger was caught smoking a beedi inside the aircraft’s restroom before takeoff. The passenger, identified as Ashok Bishwas, a resident of Gujarat’s Navsari, was immediately removed from the flight and later arrested by Dumus police for endangering passenger safety.

Despite stringent security measures at the airport, Bishwas managed to carry beedis and a matchbox onto the aircraft. The flight, originally scheduled for departure at 4:35 pm, faced a delay due to technical issues. At around 5:30 pm, an air hostess detected the smell of smoke and quickly informed a senior officer, prompting an urgent inspection.

During the inspection, Bishwas, seated in 15A, was found carrying beedis and a matchbox. As smoking is strictly prohibited on flights, the airline staff immediately reported the incident to the authorities. Following standard security protocols, the airline removed him from the plane, and law enforcement was called in.

The police registered a case against Bishwas under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalizes acts that endanger public safety. Authorities have also launched an inquiry into how he managed to bypass security with the prohibited items.

While the airline has not issued an official statement, sources confirm that the senior executive of the flight filed a formal complaint with the authorities. The incident caused further delays in the flight’s departure, but no other safety concerns were reported.

With airport security already on high alert, this incident raises serious concerns about lapses in screening procedures. Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage and security measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.