Bengaluru, October 17, 2026: Authorities at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru have arrested two men in separate incidents for allegedly soliciting money from passengers inside Terminal 2. The incidents occurred on October 15 and 16, prompting airport security personnel to intervene and hand the men over to airport police for further legal action.
According to reports, the arrests involved individuals who had allegedly approached passengers to request money. Airport authorities stated that both men had previously been apprehended for similar activities, raising concerns about repeated solicitation inside one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs.
Two Separate Incidents at Terminal 2
The first incident took place on October 15, when Modela Venkata Dinesh Kumar was allegedly found approaching passengers in the departure area of Terminal 2. He was reportedly wearing religious attire and a face mask while seeking money from travellers.
Authorities said Kumar had previously been apprehended at Terminal 1 in February for similar behaviour. He was reportedly warned against repeating the activity, but allegedly continued soliciting money at the airport.
Following the latest incident, a case was registered and Kumar was arrested. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges airport authorities face in preventing unauthorised solicitation in passenger areas.
A second incident occurred on October 16, when airport landside security personnel intercepted Prateek Bhatia in the arrival area of Terminal 2. He was allegedly seeking money from passengers in the same area where he had previously been apprehended for similar conduct.
Bhatia was subsequently handed over to airport police for further action. The two incidents were handled separately, and both cases relate to alleged solicitation on airport premises.
Airport Security Steps In
Kempegowda International Airport serves millions of passengers travelling to and from Bengaluru each year. Its departure and arrival areas experience substantial footfall, making passenger assistance, security monitoring and the prevention of unauthorised activities important operational priorities.
Security personnel monitor passenger areas to identify suspicious behaviour and respond to complaints. When individuals are suspected of engaging in unauthorised activities, security teams can intervene and refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.
In these cases, airport security personnel acted against the alleged solicitation and transferred the individuals to airport police. The incidents also highlight the importance of coordination between airport security teams and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not indicated that the incidents involved a wider organised operation. Any further conclusions about the individuals’ activities or possible connections to other cases would require additional evidence from the investigation.
What Passengers Should Know
The arrests serve as a reminder for travellers to exercise caution when approached by strangers requesting money inside airport terminals. While genuine emergencies can occur during travel, passengers should avoid feeling pressured into making payments or sharing personal financial information.
Travellers who encounter persistent solicitation, harassment or suspicious behaviour can alert airport security personnel or approach an official help desk. Passengers facing a genuine travel emergency should seek assistance from their airline, airport information counter or authorised staff.
It is also advisable to verify requests for financial assistance before transferring money through digital payment applications or scanning unfamiliar QR codes.
The latest arrests underline the role of security personnel in maintaining orderly passenger areas at Bengaluru airport. With both individuals handed over to airport police, further legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the cases.
The incidents have renewed attention on passenger safety and the enforcement of airport rules, particularly in busy arrival and departure zones where travellers may be unfamiliar with their surroundings or focused on catching flights.
Airport security and police action remains central to addressing such complaints, while passengers can help by reporting concerning behaviour promptly and relying on official channels for assistance.
