In a shocking development, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan was killed last night while at least three others were injured in a clash between the CISF personnel and Airport Authority of India (AAI) employees at Karipur International airport.
Sunny Thomas, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) fire officer, who was in uniform, was trying to enter the airport terminal when the CISF jawan insisted that he undergo a security check.
Sunny Thomas said he had come to the airport to take an injured colleague to hospital when a verbal duel between the two led to the jawan getting shot.
I was kicked, beaten up... they threatened to shoot.
-Sunny Thomas, Fire Officer, AAI
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said ADGP (North) Shankar Reddy had rushed to the spot. The Malappuram Superintendent of Police has also reached the airport and has begun talks with the CISF personnel.
Cause of Altercation
Meanwhile, Airport Authority Employees’ Union (AAEU) claimed that excessive frisking by CISF staff led to the clash.
Though it (checking) is a routine, but today when AAI personnel were entering the airport, apart from normal frisking, they were even asked to open their lunch boxes, this led to some argument and then heated exchange of words.
-B S Ahlawat, General Secretary, AAEU
Alleging that the firing was aimed at AAI personnel, he said AAI personnel had not shut down the airport operations rather they were saving themselves from CISF personnel who had in a way occupied the airport.
Chennithala said all flights to Kozhikode airport were being diverted to Kochi while the DGP has been asked to send more forces to the airport.
It is a war like situation prevailing at the airport.
-M K Raghavan, MP, Kozhikode
Kozhikode MP M K Raghavan said he had contacted Home Secretary L C Goyal and the civil aviation joint secretary, seeking urgent intervention of the Centre.
There were around 150 AAI staff posted at the airport, of which 40 are with airport fire service.
The airport, after being shut for 10 hours, is now open.
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