Prohibition: Now air passengers come under scanner in Bihar

In order to ensure strict compliance of total prohibition in Bihar, those travelling to Patna or Gaya international airport by different airlines will now have to submit a self-disclosure form stating that they were not violating prohibition order in any way.

Besides, the airlines have been asked by the authorities concerned here to put up banners at airport to create awareness about liquor ban in Bihar.

“Ignorance will be no excuse for any passenger. At the same time, airlines will also be held responsible for violation of prohibition rules,” said Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Agarwal, while holding a meeting with airlines officials in which the latter were told about reports of flow of liquor through air route.

The DM told the airlines officials to regularly make in-flight announcements regarding liquor ban in Bihar with a warning that anyone found walking in inebriated condition or found concealing liquor in his/her baggage could face arrest.

At the meeting, which was also attended by CISF commandant Dharmveer Yadav and Senior SP (SSP) of Patna Manu Maharaj, it was decided that CISF and excise officials would be stationed at the airport entry and exit points with breath analysers to check passengers.

The DM, while asking for random frisking of passengers and checking of luggage, asked the security personnel to be polite while discharging their duties.
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