Malappuram: The local police in Malappuram are groping in the dark about the laser beam projected to the cockpit of an aircraft that had taken off from Kozhikode airport at 10.40 p.m. on Wednesday.
The pilot of Air-India Express from Kozhikode to Dubai had alerted the airport control at Kozhikode about the incident that could pose a threat to the aircraft security. Dangerous weapons can be directed against the planes with the aid of laser beams. The laser beam had originated from the coastal area between Parappanangadi and Beypore, some 13 km from the airport, and the plane was flying around 3000 ft high.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is looking into the incident, but the police authorities in the area have no clue about it. Malappuram SP K. Vijayan said that the police, including SIs in the area, had no information about the issue. “Toy laser projection is common in some areas and we have initiated an awareness drive to prevent such practices,” said Mr V.J. Jinesh, Sub-Inspector, Parappanangadi.
The incident is believed to be first in the country, according to the airport authorities. Laser projection is prohibited on aircraft routes according to international air security norms.
