Actor criticises IndiGo for pulling her bag aside, airline says check-in luggage had prohibited item
New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI): Telugu actor Lakshmi Manchu on Monday accused the staff of IndiGo Airlines of harassment after her bag was pulled aside at the Goa airport, prompting the air carrier to clarify that the baggage was detained by airport security due to strict regulations on carrying prohibited items in check-in luggage.
In a series of posts on X handle, the "Yakshini" actor said her bag was taken by the security personnel for a check and she wasn't allowed to open it on her own.
"My bag pulled aside and @IndiGo6E and they won’t let me open my bag. They insist to do it or else my bag will be left in Goa, someone help!!! Flt 6e585.. this is ridiculous, and the staff is being extremely rude," she wrote, tagging the airline's official X handle.
"This is harassment @IndiGo6E after all that they did not even put a security tag in front of my eyes. In spite of insisting that they would do so if anything is missing, I doubt Indigo will take any responsibility. How is this even possible to run an airline like this…" she said in another post.
According to Manchu, the staff pulled people aside for carrying "sleep apnea machine, spoon fork and knife cutlery" on flight.
"One of the girl had to leave her luggage cos they couldn’t go thru her bag on time!!!!!! Ok I’m done! @IndiGo6E loves making you feel violated (sic)" she added.
IndiGo Airlines was prompt in responding to the actor's posts.
"Ma'am, we understand the inconvenience you experienced this morning. As per our records, your checked-in bag was detained by the airport security, deployed by the airport operator, due to strict regulations on carrying prohibited items in check-in luggage. (1/2)
"We appreciate your cooperation with our team and the security personnel in resolving the matter, ensuring the bag could be cleared for check-in. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a pleasant flight. ~Team IndiGo (2/2)" the air carrier said in its response.
Hours later, Manchu shared a video and picture of her suitcase without the tag near the baggage carousel.
"I rest my case @IndiGo6E," she wrote, accompanied by broken heart emoticons, without further explanation.
The airline said while the airport team had securely tagged her bag, the tag was removed by airport security personnel when the bag was detained "due to the carriage of a restricted item".
"Please note that there is a mandated security process, and this process is within the purview of the security authorities and not under the control and supervision of IndiGo. (2/3)
"We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Should you require any further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us via DM. We hope you had a pleasant flight and look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon. ~ Team IndiGo."
My bag pulled aside and @IndiGo6E and they won’t let me open my bag. They insist to do it or else my bag will be left in Goa, someone help!!! Flt 6e585.. this is ridiculous, and the staff is being extremely rude
— Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna (@LakshmiManchu) January 27, 2025
This is harassment @IndiGo6E 😠after all that they did not even put a security tag in front of my eyes. In spite of insisting that they would do so if anything is missing, I doubt Indigo will take any responsibility. How is this even possible to run an airline like this?
— Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna (@LakshmiManchu) January 27, 2025
They pulled people aside for sleep apnea machine! Spoon fork and knife cutlery ! One of the girl had to leave her luggage cos they couldn’t go thru her bag on time!!!!!!
— Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna (@LakshmiManchu) January 27, 2025
Ok I’m done! @IndiGo6E loves making you feel violated…
I rest my case @IndiGo6E 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/1AXPbumRm7
— Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna (@LakshmiManchu) January 27, 2025
Ma’am, we understand the inconvenience you experienced this morning. As per our records, your checked-in bag was detained by the airport security, deployed by the airport operator, due to strict regulations on carrying prohibited items in check-in luggage. (1/2)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 27, 2025
We appreciate your cooperation with our team and the security personnel in resolving the matter, ensuring the bag could be cleared for check-in. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a pleasant flight. ~Team IndiGo (2/2)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 27, 2025
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Stampede at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj leaves many injured, casualties feared: Reports
Prayagraj: A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has left many injured, with reports suggesting casualties as well. The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday at the Sangam, where lakhs of devotees had gathered for a ritual dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant bathing days of the Kumbh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath to assess the situation. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed to manage the massive crowds and restore order.
According to a social media content creator who witnessed the incident, the stampede occurred around 2:30 am as devotees reached the Sangam banks. The confusion arose when people carrying heavy luggage on their heads struggled to find an exit route after their ritual bath. Many tripped over iron dustbins that were not visible in the darkness, leading to a chain reaction of people falling.
"I managed to stand up and help my parents and another woman who were on the ground. Soon, panic spread as some youngsters in the crowd began pushing, triggering the stampede," the eyewitness said.
Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya has urged devotees not to insist on bathing only at the Sangam Ghat due to the heavy crowd. Akhada Parishad General Secretary Mahant Hari Giri also appealed to people to take a dip in the Ganga at safer locations and return to their camps to avoid further chaos.
Authorities have taken steps to restore order, including clearing access routes for akhadas and deploying security personnel at key points. Meanwhile, some akhadas have postponed their scheduled snan due to the incident.
The Mahakumbh, which began on 13 January, has reportedly already witnessed over 15 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip, with more than 4.8 crore participating on Tuesday alone. The festival is set to conclude on 26 February.
Special Executive Officer of the Kumbh Mela Authority, Akanksha Rana, downplayed the severity of the incident, stating, "A stampede-like situation occurred after a barrier broke at Sangam Nose. Some people sustained injuries, but no one is in serious condition."
