According to sources in immigration, the man had come from Guinea-Bissau, a terror-hit country with strong influence of dreaded Boko Haram and ISIS outfits, by an Ethiopian Airlines flight
Immigration and intelligence sleuths at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were left horror-stricken on Sunday, after a West African national, detained for not having a valid visa, escaped from their custody.
According to sources in immigration, the man had come from Guinea-Bissau, a terror-hit country with strong influence of dreaded Boko Haram and ISIS outfits, by an Ethiopian Airlines flight. He reached the airport around 10.30 am and approached the immigration department for an e-visa. Guinea-Bissau, however, is not listed among the countries eligible for an e-visa, and so he was detained.
"He had introduced himself as Gomez Julio. While the immigration sleuths were busy completing the formalities, the suspect managed to change his clothes and vanish. He even left behind his passport with the immigration department and luggage with the Ethiopian Airlines," an officer said.
"The passenger had entered India without any valid document or visa. He had mentioned a mobile number, which is now being tracked. It is a major security lapse and we are questioning the immigration officials for more details," a police officer said.
"CCTV footage from the spot has also been procured and efforts are on to identity him. Raids are being conducted across the city. The authenticity of his passport is being ascertained. We suspect that it is forged," he added.
Meanwhile, the immigration officials have filed an FIR with the Delhi Police. A senior police officer said that in his disembarkation card, the passenger had mentioned his address as 70 Humayun, Safdarjung Enclave, which is also being checked for authenticity.
DCP (IGIA) Sanjay Bhatia confirmed that a case under relevant Sections has been registered and intelligence agencies have also been alerted. He added that it is being checked what mode of transport he used to escape after exiting the terminal building.
The incident has raised several questions about the security system at the airport and the immigration sleuths' conduct. Talking to DNA, an airport official said after a flyer crosses the immigration area at the arrival terminal, there are no further checks, and he or she can simply walk out.
"Those detained are kept in a room beyond the immigration area, which makes it easier for them to escape, if they somehow manage to give a slip to the immigration sleuths. There are no further check points of CISF or airport security," the officer said.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Suspect, from Guinea Bissau, lands at the IGIA on Sunday morning.
- Walks to the immigration counter but is denied an e-visa.
- Changes his clothes while the immigration staff is busy. Walks out of the terminal.
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