CISF Discovers Monkey Skull at Delhi Airport During Security Check

In a surprising incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport, CISF personnel discovered a monkey skull concealed in a passenger's hand baggage during a security check. The passenger, who was traveling to Hyderabad, was handed over to local police for potential violations of wildlife protection laws. This event underscores the vigilance of security forces in preventing illegal wildlife trafficking. Earlier this year, a similar scare occurred when a box resembling a human skeleton was found, later identified as a medical model. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in airport security and wildlife protection efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 12:12 IST

Security Alert at Indira Gandhi International Airport

Photo: @ArvindSinghUp/X

New Delhi, Aug 12: Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi made a startling discovery on Wednesday when they found a skull hidden in a passenger's hand luggage during a routine security check.

The individual was set to fly from Delhi to Hyderabad. During the screening, CISF agents identified a suspicious item concealed within the passenger's bag. When questioned, the traveler asserted that the item was a monkey skull.

Due to the nature of the item and its potential connection to wildlife trafficking, the passenger was subsequently handed over to local law enforcement for further action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

This incident highlights the vigilance of CISF personnel in maintaining aviation security and their crucial role in enforcing laws designed to protect wildlife and curb the illegal transport of wildlife products.

In a related event earlier this year, on January 24, a brief panic ensued at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport when a box resembling a human skeleton was found. This discovery prompted an immediate security response from Delhi Police and other agencies. However, investigations later confirmed that the skeleton was merely a model used for educational purposes in medical institutions.

Delhi Police reported that the box was located in the departure area near an airline office between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Airport) Vichitra Veer stated that the box had been left by a passenger who was not allowed to take it on board. It was later discovered by housekeeping staff, who notified DIAL security, leading to police involvement.

Authorities confirmed that no dangerous materials were found, and the situation was managed according to established security protocols. Nonetheless, to ensure thoroughness, the skeleton model was sent for forensic analysis.