Ill-timed joke delays Thailand flight in Nedumbassery; Vacation ruined for Thiruvananthapuram native

KOCHI: What was intended as a joke under distress went askew creating panic as one flight had to be delayed in Nedumbassery for hours on Wednesday. Prashanth, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, made an ill-timed joke about a bomb being placed inside one of the luggage, but little did he know about the incoming consequences.

Prashanth, a businessman from Africa, with his family, was about to leave for Thailand on Thai Airways on Wednesday. Prashanth was accompanied by four people including his wife and son. During the search, the security personnel repeatedly asked what was in the bag, infuriating Prashanth. Much to his chagrin, the question was repeated, making Prashanth joke that it was indeed a bomb inside his luggage. An alert was made, and a bevvy of security personnel rounded the Thiruvananthapuram native. Then the security personnel checked the bags of Prashanth and those who were with him. With the procedure taking time, the flight was also delayed for hours.

The flight, which was supposed to leave at 2.10 in the morning, took off at 4.30. am on Wednesday. It is reported that nothing suspicious was found during the inspection. Prashanth reasoned that the ill-timed joke was a result of pestering from the officials.

After the inspection, the flight departed but Prashanth, his wife and son cancelled the journey. The Nedumbassery police registered a case against the Thiruvananthapuram native for obstructing the scheduled flight journey.