Investigations underway to discover truth behind Habib’s travel to Medina

JAIPUR - Senior officials of Rajasthan Police have confirmed that investigations are on to ascertain all facts in the case of an Indian who travelled as a stowaway in a flight from Medina (Saudi Arabia) to Jaipur.

Biju George Joseph, Superintendent of Police, Jaipur (East) confirmed this while speaking to the media persons at Jaipur on Sunday, as he said Air India officials are also being questioned as how the person came on board without anyone detecting him.

“Yes, yes it is being done, we will be taking their (Air India officials) statement also as to what has happened, how this person came on board and how he could not be detected,” said Biju George Joseph.

He also mentioned that the Air India personnel including the cabin crew did not inspect the aircraft thoroughly before admitting the passengers aboard.

Habib Hussain, an Indian working as a sweeper at Medina airport sneaked onto an Air India flight from Medina to northwestern Jaipur and flew back home on Saturday (December 26).

The incident of a stowaway passenger on board has been viewed as one of serious security breaches in recent times.

Hussain, who hails from Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh state, was found hiding in the toilet of the aircraft that took off with 273 Haj pilgrims returning home.

On being discovered Hussain, 25, claimed he had fled to escape from the exploitation by his employer. He is also reported to have said that he went to Jeddah a few months ago in search of a job.

An agent promised him a job at the Medina airport and as per rules in Saudi Arabia his employer asked him to surrender his passport and other documents of identity. It is learnt that Hussain got into the aircraft on the plea of cleaning.

Meanwhile, further investigations are on to ascertain all the facts.The Central Industrial Security Force, which is in charge of airport security, has filed a complaint against Hussain. (ANI)