A comprehensive security search of a Sri Lankan Airlines flight, which travelled to Colombo from Chennai, was undertaken on Saturday following a tip-off from India that it was carrying six suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that left 26 people dead.
Sri Lankan Airlines said that Flight UL 122, operated by aircraft 4R-ALS, arrived in Colombo from Chennai at 11:59 hrs today, underwent a comprehensive security inspection upon arrival, according to a report by Daily Mirror Online.
Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL122 was searched after it arrived in Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Security measures were initiated after Chennai airport authorities received an email claiming that five Lashkar operatives were on board a Sri Lankan Airlines flight, reported India Today.
The threat mail, classified as ‘non-specific’, was received by the Chief Security Officer at 11.05 am, which mentioned, “Five South Indian males on UL 122 (9.55 am) are Lashkar operatives. Clean profile, well-trained, no suspicion”.
Local Authorities Search Flight
According to reports, local security authorities conducted the search operation of the flight.
However, no suspicious person or activity was found on the flight.
No suspicious individuals or activities were found, as the message later turned out to be a hoax, officials told India Today.
The flight was cleared for further operation after the inspection was thoroughly performed.
Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, Pahalgam’s scenic Baisaran meadow echoed with the sounds of gunshots when terrorists shot dead 26 men, mostly non-Muslim tourists, in one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in the country.
Survivors said the gunmen asked some victims about their religion and demanded they recite Islamic verses. Those who failed or hesitated were shot in the head.
Security officials said at least five terrorists split into smaller groups and attacked three zones in the meadow.
Lasting under ten minutes, the assault left 26 dead, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
An Intelligence Bureau (IB) official, an Indian Navy Lieutenant, and an Indian Air Force (IAF) corporal — all were on vacation with their families — were among the deceased.
The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and escalated India-Pakistan tensions as New Delhi vowed to avenge the killings.
(With inputs from IBNS)
