Dubai–Mangaluru Air India Express flight leaves passengers’ luggage behind in Dubai
Mangaluru: Passengers arriving from Dubai on an Air India Express flight to Mangaluru on Saturday evening were left angry and helpless after learning that their luggage had not arrived with them and was left behind in Dubai.
When the flight landed and travellers went to collect their baggage, they were informed by the airline staff that several bags had not been loaded due to the aircraft being “full”. The staff assured passengers that the missing luggage would arrive on the next flight from Dubai at 5 am on Sunday and would be delivered to their addresses.
The explanation, however, did little to calm the passengers. Many of them including those who had travelled just for a day or were carrying perishable items got into heated arguments with the airline staff at Mangaluru International Airport.
“Why didn’t you inform us in Dubai before taking our baggage? If there wasn’t enough space, why were we allowed to board with full tickets? You’ve given us receipts saying the luggage will reach Mangaluru but left it behind without a word. Had we known this earlier, we wouldn’t have taken this flight,” some passengers questioned.
Several travellers said they had essential items and clothes in their checked baggage. “You say the bags will come tomorrow morning, but of what use is that when some of us have to return tonight itself?” one passenger said.
Airline staff reportedly told the passengers to provide their contact details so that the luggage could be delivered to their homes once it arrived. However, many travellers said they were not satisfied with the response.
Some frequent flyers alleged that such issues were becoming common with Air India Express. “This is the third or fourth time this has happened to me,” said one passenger. Others demanded compensation for items that might get spoiled due to the delay.
The flight, which was scheduled to depart from Dubai at 12 pm and reach Mangaluru by 5:30 pm, took off only around 2:30 pm and landed at 7:20 pm. Upon arrival, the baggage issue came to light, leaving many passengers frustrated and angry with the airline’s handling of the situation.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send a message that "Muslims are being targeted."
"I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi," he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, "People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline."
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of CM’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun. They were also said to have not actively participated in campaigning.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to CM Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the chief minister.
Rejecting allegations of factions within the party, Shivakumar said, "We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?"
"All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress," he added, saying there are no factions within the party and such claims are media-driven.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
"We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together," he said.
