By Avni Arya

Copyright timesnownews

Pune: A 63-year-old traveller was booked after security personnel at Pune International Airport recovered a revolver and five live cartridges from his bag during baggage screening, officials confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred on 19 September when the passenger, identified as Chandrakant Prabhakar Bagal, was scheduled to board a Pune–Varanasi flight. During the Level 2B baggage screening process, security staff detected the firearm and ammunition, leading to immediate intervention by airport authorities. According to officials, Bagal did possess a valid licence to carry the revolver within Maharashtra. However, he was found attempting to travel outside the state, to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, without adhering to the necessary security norms. Also Read: Formula Race in Navi Mumbai: First FIA-Approved Street Racing Circuit to be Unveiled “As per Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regulations, any possession of firearms and ammunition must be reported, especially while travelling outside the state,” a police officer explained. Following the recovery, a case was registered against Bagal under the Arms Act at Vimantal police station. Authorities stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances and intent behind carrying the weapon on a commercial flight. In other news, Pune railway station is preparing for a surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Dasara, Diwali and Chhath festivals. Authorities plan to create a passenger holding area near the reservation building and restrict the sale of platform tickets to manage crowds. With daily traffic already averaging 1.6 lakh passengers and 279 trains, the figure is expected to cross two lakh during the festive season. At least 20 special trains have been announced, with some expected to originate from Hadapsar to ease pressure on Pune station. However, passengers continue to face long waiting lists and soaring airfares, causing widespread travel concerns. (with inputs from PTI)