Bomb in flight: No clarity, only theories about Kingfisher whodunnit

Bangalore: The day after an explosive was found on board a Kingfisher flight, there was little clarity on what had happened and who was responsible. While the investigation team was grappling for answers, what emerged were theories.
Among those was this: The planting of the crude bomb on Kingfisher flight IT-4731 from Bangalore to Thiruvanathapuram was an attempt to hijack the flight. “The theory has gained strength as the bomb was found next to the food and beverages galley in the rear of the aircraft. The luggage in this type of aircraft (ATR) is usually next to the cockpit and accessibility is limited to those performing loading and unloading duties,” a senior intelligence bureau officer said.
“The hijack could not take place as it looks like an attempt made in a hurry. There was no detonator and this indicates that someone wanted to retrieve the crude bomb and hold it in the hand to threaten the crew and the airport authorities,” an official said.
The suspects could not catch the flight for various reasons. The details of their plan will only emerged after we lay our hands on the suspects that includes the catering staff,” officers in the investigating team said.
Thiruvananthapuram police commissioner MR Ajith Kumar is believed to have got crucial details about the ‘country-made’ bomb similar to those used in the Bangalore serial blasts in July 2008 and other bomb blasts in Kerala.
22/03/10 MK Madhusoodan/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Mar 2010, Kingfisher Mar 2010, Safety Mar 2010