Theft in Aircraft Luggage Compartments: Pune Airport Incident Fuels Accountability Debate
Incidents of theft from check-in luggage during air travel have reignited questions about who is responsible for safeguarding passengers’ belongings. The debate was recently spotlighted by a theft at Pune Airport, where ₹1.8 lakh in cash was stolen from a passenger’s bag. While the airport administration asserts that responsibility lies with the airline, passengers are left grappling with uncertainty about where to turn for redressal.
The Case That Sparked Controversy
On January 12, Prasanna Nahar, a 42-year-old from Nigdi, Pune, traveled from Delhi to Pune. He checked his luggage at Delhi Airport, but upon arrival in Pune, he discovered that his bag had been tampered with and cash was missing. Nahar promptly filed a police complaint, and investigations are ongoing.
The Accountability Puzzle
Theft incidents during air travel often highlight gaps in accountability. Checked-in luggage passes through multiple layers of handling—from check-in counters to loading crews—creating opportunities for theft. Passengers frequently wonder whether the airline, airport security, or airport administration is responsible.
According to aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar, both the airline and airport administration share the duty of ensuring luggage safety. Surveillance cameras play a crucial role in tracing such incidents, but resolving cases requires thorough investigations.
Despite the presence of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and CCTV monitoring, Pune Airport has witnessed similar thefts in the past, including cases on international flights to Dubai and domestic flights to Delhi.
Airport Administration’s Stance
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke clarified that the airport administration is not liable for stolen luggage. “The airline is responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of passengers’ belongings,” he stated. However, this position leaves passengers like Nahar with unanswered questions about recourse.
Preventive Measures for Passengers
Aviation experts urge passengers to take precautions to minimize risks:
- Avoid keeping valuables or cash in checked-in luggage.
- Inspect your luggage immediately after retrieval.
- Report any issues to the airline and airport authorities without delay.
These proactive steps can help mitigate losses and speed up investigations if theft occurs.
As theft incidents continue to challenge the air travel industry, the need for clearer accountability frameworks and improved security measures has never been more pressing.
