Image Source : TWITTER/MANU BHAKER Manu Bhaker at IGI Airport in New Delhi on Friday.
Olympic quota place winner pistol ace Manu Bhaker on Friday night alleged that she was harassed by Air India officers on the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) whereas she was attempting to board a flight from Delhi to Bhopal. The 19-year-old Haryana shooter, who was carrying two weapons and ammunition on her solution to Bhopal Shooting Academy, was later allowed to board the flight.
After being stopped on the Indira Gandhi Airport, 19-year-old Manu tweeted her ‘drawback’, tagging sports activities minister Kiren Rijiju and civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in addition to others. Apparently after Rijiju’s intervention she finally board the AI 437 flight.
Manu tweeted 5 instances on Friday, startung at 8.17 pm, and the final one was posted at 8.57 pm, after she was cleared to board the flight. She thanked the sports activities minister in her final tweet: “Thank you @KirenRijiju sir. Got boarded after strong support from all of you. Thank you India. [Flag of India] [Folded hands] jai hind.” Rijiju responed by tweeting: “You are India’s pride.”
Soon after that, Air India replied to Manu tweet by tweet.
“IGI Delhi .Going to Bhopal (MP Shooting Acadmy For my training i need to carry weapons and ammunition, Request @airindiain Officials to give little respect or at least don’t Insult players every time &please don’t ask money. I Have @DGCAIndia permit,” was Manu’s first of the tweets, and he or she tagged @HardeepSPuri and @VasundharaBJP
Air India responed: “Ma’am we are really sorry that you have faced inconvenience while traveling with us. We request you to kindly share details of the issue alongwith your contact details over DM for us to assist you.”
In her second tweet, Manu sensationally hinted that officers requested her for “bribes”.
“Not allowing me to board flight AI 437 at IGI Delhi and asking now 10200rs Despite all valid Documentation and DGCA permit (sic). Top of that Manoj Gupta Air india incharge doesn’t recognise DGCA,” she wrote, and tagged @narendramodi @HardeepSPuri @AmitShah @VasundharaBJP “shall I pay this Bribes or!!!!”
Air India replied: “Ma’am we have noted details, please allow us few mins to inform our Delhi Airport team.”
Manu’s subsequent tweet learn: “Think this type behaviour is not acceptable (sic).Manoj Gupta is not even human. He is treating me like I am a criminal. Also his security incharge Such people need basic training of behaviour hopefully Aviation ministry will find out &will send him to right place.”
Air India’s response, apparently after checking with its officers on the IGI, was: “Dear Ms Bhaker Our Delhi Airport team has confirmed that the official at our counter had only sought for valid documents as per rules for carriage of your weapon on board. (1/3).”
Its subsequent tweeted learn: “(2/3)In absence of the same, legitimate specified charges for the arms were conveyed to you. No one sought a ‘bribe’ as has been alleged. You were issued boarding pass on your assurance of furnishing valid documents before boarding.”
Air India additional tweeted: “(3/3) Immediately after the official valid documents were shown by you at the boarding point, u were allowed to board. It may please be noted that Air India has always encouraged and respected Sportspersons and have many an eminent sports legends working with us.”
Manu is among the prime shooters chosen for the ISSF World Cup, to be held from March 18 to 29 at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi.
The 2018 Youth Olympic champion competed within the 10m air pistol and the 25m sports activities pistol within the second spherical of nationwide choice trials held in New Delhi from February 8 to 14.
