Airport security system called into question

KOCHI: Raising questions over the security system at Kochi airport, a mentally-deranged boy climbed over the side gate and entered the airport premises on Friday morning.He almost reached the airport garage before he was caught by the security personnel and handed over to the Nedumbassery police.This is the second such incident taking place in the airport during the past three months. During the past three years, there were four incidents of security breach in which people were arrested from the airport premises.In June, a youth had sneaked into the airport runway and reached near an aircraft before being found by the security men.According to an airport official, the security system is strict in the main building and airplane landing area. But in all such cases the culprit entered the airport premises by climbing the wall. The security has to be beefed up in those regions also. CISF deputy commandant, S K Jha said that the security in the airport is very tight.“One cannot say that such incidents occurred  owing to security lapse. In all such cases the trespassers entered the airport premises by climbing the high walls and gate for the vehicles. But in all cases the guards had arrested the people before they could create trouble or damage. Such incidents happen once in a while,” Jha said.Airport Director ACK Nair said that security breach is impossible as far Nedumbassery airport is concerned.“It is true that such incidents have occurred here but the security system is cent per cent effective and we have taken necessary measures to prevent such incidents.”“The security personnel were able to catch the trespassers. Regarding Friday’s incident, we have discussed the matter with the CISF officials and decided to intensify security at the airport premises, including the barrage area,” Nair said.