Cancer Patient Arrested for Hoax Hijack Alert on Air India Flight

A 56-year-old cancer patient was arrested after causing a hoax hijack alert on an Air India flight to Mumbai, leading to a seven-hour delay. Partha Pratim Nandi confessed to placing the alert note due to his distress over leaving his ailing wife in Kolkata. Authorities have stated that while they understand his tragic circumstances, his actions are punishable under the law, affecting many passengers with urgent travel needs. The incident highlights the serious implications of such false threats in aviation security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 12:35 IST

Incident Overview

Representational Image

Kolkata, November 12: Authorities have apprehended a 56-year-old man suffering from cancer in relation to a false hijack alert concerning an Air India flight bound for Mumbai on November 10. This incident necessitated the aircraft's diversion to an isolation area at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, causing a delay of approximately seven hours.

Details of the Arrest

The individual, identified as Partha Pratim Nandi, was initially detained by personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed at the airport. He was subsequently transferred to the NSCBI Airport Police Station, which operates under the Bidhannagar City Police jurisdiction.

Confession and Motive

During questioning, Nandi admitted to placing the false hijack alert note on the flight, which led to significant disruption. He revealed that both he and his wife are battling cancer, and he was scheduled to travel to Mumbai before continuing to Africa for employment. However, he expressed his reluctance to leave his ailing wife alone in Kolkata, which contributed to his distress.

Legal Consequences

A police officer from Bidhannagar City commented on the situation, stating, “While I empathize with the tragic circumstances that led to this act, it is important to note that such behavior is punishable by law. Many passengers, some with urgent medical appointments, were adversely affected by this incident. Therefore, legal proceedings will follow.”

Flight Response

On the day of the incident, as the flight was preparing for takeoff, the pilot received the threat and promptly notified Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft was swiftly moved to an isolation bay, and security teams initiated search operations. Ultimately, the hijack alert was confirmed to be a hoax, with the warning note discovered in the aircraft's restroom.