Flights resume, probe ordered in Kozhikode airport clash

Kozhikode: Flight operations resumed on Thursday amid tight security at the international airport near here after a temporary shutdown following a clash between CISF and Airport Authority personnel in which a jawan was killed last night.

Kerala Home minister Ramesh Chennithala said an inquiry has been ordered. Forensic officials were at the airport to probe the shooting incident in which CISF jawan Jaipal Yadav was killed.

As operations resumed this morning at least two Air India Express flights from the Gulf landed at the Karipur airport, which was scene of violent clashes between CISF and fire force department officials of Airport Authority of India over an issue of frisking of some personnel.

A large posse of police personnel has been deployed at the airport. A case has been registered against unknown persons. Karipur Airport senior police official told PTI that at least 11 CISF and fire force department officials of AAI were 'removed' from the airport last night to prevent further trouble. They have not been taken into custody, he said. Police has also viewed the CCTV footage of the incident, he said.

Anil Bali, CISF Commandant, said they will fully cooperate with police investigations. "Police is investigating the case. They are doing their job very well. We are brothers in uniform. I am sure they will do whatever is best in a professional manner. They have do their duty. Law will take its own course," he said.

Karipur Airport director, Janardhanan, told PTI that operations have become normal with Air India Express flights from the gulf landing this morning. Passengers, who witnessed the violence, alleged that following the death of a CISF jawan, some CISF went on a rampage chasing away passengers and other officials with lathies.

They were also reports about CISF personnel and Fire force vehicles blocking the runway last night. Police refused to give details saying they were probing the matter. After the violence, Karipur airport was closed to traffic and 3 flights were diverted to Kochi's Nedumbassery airport. Airport security still continues to be with CISF and state police have not taken charge of it, officials aid.

After a CISF jawan insisted that an official of the fire force department of Airport Authority of India (AAI) undergo frisking, a verbal duel ensued which escalated into the violence between personnel of CISF and AAI.

According to reports, in the melee, a CISF jawan received gun shot injuries accidentally. Police said the body of the slain jawan has been kept at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and will be handed over to CISF authorities after postmortem.