Pune Airport Theft Case Raises Accountability Questions Over Luggage Safety

Viman Nagar, 23rd January 2025: A recent incident at Pune International Airport has raised serious questions about the responsibility for theft from checked-in luggage during air travel, leaving passengers uncertain about where to seek redress.
Prasanna Nahar, a 42-year-old resident of Yamuna Nagar, Nigdi, reported the theft of Rs 1.8 lakh from his checked-in baggage during a flight from Delhi to Pune on 12th January. Nahar discovered his bag was open upon arrival in Pune and found the cash missing. He has filed a formal complaint with the Airport Police Station.
The incident highlights a critical gap in accountability between airlines, airport authorities, and security agencies for luggage safety during transit. Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar stated, “The entire responsibility for security of passengers’ bags and theft incidents lies with the airport administration and airline companies.”
However, Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke contradicted this view, saying, “The airport administration is not responsible if items are stolen from bags during air travel. The responsibility for safe transit of luggage lies with the airline companies.”
Senior Police Inspector Ajay Sankeshwari of the Airport Police Station confirmed that an investigation into the theft is ongoing. “We investigate based on passengers’ complaints after theft incidents occur,” he said.
This is not an isolated incident at Pune Airport. Recent cases include thefts during Pune-Dubai and Pune-Delhi flights, despite the presence of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and CCTV surveillance throughout the airport.
Vandekar advises air travellers to avoid keeping valuables and cash in checked luggage and to inspect their bags immediately upon arrival at their destination as a precautionary measure.