Dubai flight scare: Embarrassment for Republic TV, Times Now as ‘cellphone bomb’ turns ‘power bank’

Mangaluru (Karnataka): In yet another terror tagging stunt Republic TV, Times Now left humiliated as the suspicious object termed as ‘cellphone bomb’ turns out to be a self made ‘Power bank’.

Indigo flight from Mangaluru to Dubai was delayed at Mangaluru Airport late on Tuesday evening after a suspicious object was detected in check-in luggage.

The security staff rushed to the spot and recovered an alleged ‘cell phone bomb’ from the luggage of a passenger.

After the check by the forces, it was found that the object was self-made power bank.

YouTube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W_VzLJ5Vo8

An officer who later came out after the examination of the device said that the news carried by national channels about ‘cellphone bomb’ and ‘terror’ was fake, and that the device was nothing but a power bank.

Also, contrary to claims by the national news channels that the flight to Dubai was delayed because of the alleged ‘bomb scare’, airport authorities confirmed that there was no such delay, adding that it was late in arrival from Bengaluru.

Speaking to reporters, police commissioner T R Suresh said that there was nothing to worry or fear. “There is nothing suspicious about the power bank. It was a self-made power bank and was in the possession of a passenger who was going to Bengaluru and then to Dubai. The airport officials are examining, after which they will release the passenger. There are too many rumours spreading, but we have double-checked everywhere. There is absolutely no cause for worry.”