The Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode has reopened after being shut down last night following death of a CISF jawan in scuffle with Airport Authority of India (AAI) staff.

Rival forces ended protests against each other that lasted 10 hours after the state police was allowed to intervene and broker peace, sources said.

Flights delayed

Even the Air Traffic Control had to shut down during this phase that saw at least two incoming flights being diverted to Cochin International Airport last night.

However, Karipur airport has returned to normal this morning and has already received two flights from Dubai and Dammam, the sources said.

AAI have employees agreed to return to work after getting an assurance that the Kerala police would provide them security.

Meanwhile, SS Yadav, a CISF jawan, died from grievous injuries allegedly from gunshots fired after he picked up a quarrel with an AAI fireman.

Verbal Duel

The scuffle was triggered after the jawan insisted that the fireman AAI undergo security clearance before crossing the gate that opens into the high-security area.

This led to a verbal duel between the two and in the ensuing melee, the fireman allegedly snatched the rifle from the jawan and shot at him.

Eye witness accounts suggested that the fireman was beaten up by CISF jawans who charged in from various areas within the high-security area in defence of their colleague.

The shooting took place at a high security zone of the airport where containers are being dealt with.

Meanwhile, two incoming flights, including an Air India flight from Mumbai that arrived at 10.25 pm, flew around seeking permission to land but were diverted to the Cochin.

Premises ransacked

Worse was to follow. The CISF men allegedly went on a rampage and ransacked the office and facilities of the fire force department at the airport.

Tension prevailed at the airport as the fireman wielding the rifle boarded a fire extinguisher truck, and entered the tarmac and began negotiating the airside.

The CISF men reportedly gave a chase. Even as this was happening, the police was barred from entering the premises since the airport security was vested with the CISF.

It was only after repeated exchange of dialogue over phone that the police were allowed entry and talk peace.

comment COMMENT NOW