Guwahati Airport admin returns foreign currency worth over Rs 10 lakh to passenger
Guwahati, June 30
Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport administration here has returned an unattended bag containing foreign currency worth more than Rs 10 lakh to its rightful owner after a coordinated effort involving airport authorities, the CISF, and officials from Hyderabad airport, officials said on Tuesday.
According to airport authorities, the bag was detected during routine security screening at Terminal 1 on June 26 after Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel found it unattended in the Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS).
Following standard security procedures, the bag was secured and handed over to the airport's Lost and Found team for verification.
During inspection, officials found 10,720 US dollars, 175 Chinese yuan, medicines, and other personal belongings inside the bag.
The name on the bag, along with details on the medicine strips, helped officials identify the passenger.
Airport authorities then reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that the passenger had already boarded a flight to Hyderabad.
A coordinated exercise was immediately launched involving the CISF, the Lost and Found team at LGBI Airport and Hyderabad airport authorities to trace the passenger.
After verifying ownership through the prescribed procedures, the bag was safely handed over to an authorised representative of the passenger.
Officials said the successful recovery and return of the valuables highlighted the efficiency of the airport's security and passenger service mechanisms as well as the close coordination among various agencies operating at the airport.
They added that the incident reflected the airport's commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and passenger-friendly travel experience.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, good job by the CISF and airport folks. But I'm bit skeptical - why wasn't the bag tagged or claimed immediately by the passenger? Might be a simple oversight, but glad it ended well. Also, kudos to Hyderabad airport for quick coordination.
Impressive coordination between teams across airports! The CCTV footage review and tracking the passenger to Hyderabad shows how India's aviation security is maturing. 10 lakh is no small amount - relieved for the passenger.
This is why I always say India's airports have improved massively in last 10 years. The ATRS system itself is modern, and the Lost and Found process seems transparent. Wish more government-run operations worked this efficiently.
That passenger must have been very relieved! For most Indians, even losing 1 lakh is a nightmare. Good to see airport authorities going beyond their duty to find the owner. The medicine strips clue was smart thinking! 🧠
While this story is uplifting, I hope the airport administration also looks at systemic issues - why do passengers still feel the need to carry such large foreign currency? Maybe more digital payment options at airports could prevent such incidents. But yes, well done! 🇮🇳
Fantastic accountability. Returning USD 10,720 and yuan to the rightful owner
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