Aero India 2011: Security? What is that?

Aero India 2011: Security? What is that?

Mangalore Today News Network

February 14: How tight was the security for Aero India show? A look at the first gate (main entrance) convinced anyone that not even an ant could enter the premises without a pass. Visitors from abroad, who came in swanky cars were asked to alight and walk for two km just as their vehicles did not have passes.

 

But I could not only enter the Aero India show after crossing five security checks without having a pass or invitation, but also managed to sit right behind Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, a few yards away from Defence Minister A K Antony and other top dignitaries!

It was the first day of the show, and I was waiting at the entrance for a friend who had promised a pass. Though I could not get the promised pass, I learnt that another friend, a former minister, was arriving by a State car. I got into his car. The security personnel at the first gate allowed the car to go inside as it was a State car.

After half km, came the 2nd security gate, where it was allowed to pass without a check. Instead of parking the car, the driver decided to enter the tarmac (where only VVIP vehicles are allowed).

Though the gate was closed, the security personnel opened it, as the car approached the gate (perhaps he would have thought that the persons inside must be VVIPs as they dared to enter tarmac). (Inset: Ronald Anil Fernandes, DH correspondent)

The moment the car reached the tarmac where fighter aircraft were parked, a buggy came to pick up, perhaps presuming that the visitors are VVIPs as the vehicle had arrived at the tarmac! Without any delay, all of us boarded the buggy. The driver straight away drove to VVIP seating arena, where Defence Minister A K Antony, Air Force Chief P V Naik, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata among others were seated.

I took the seat just behind Ratan Tata. Interestingly, all the five persons with former minister including me had no pass!

The next two hours was fun, and we enjoyed the exciting performance by the flying birds. Soon after the air show, as the Defence Minister and other dignitaries prepared to go the exhibition stalls for the inauguration, I too moved out. There were five buggies lined up including the pilot vehicle carrying IAF officers, with the commandos in the last vehicle. The three buggies in the middle were meant for top dignitaries. While the first two buggies were occupied by Defence Minister and other top officials, the third buggy driver invited me to hop in (assuming that I too was a VVIP delegate).

The next 45 minutes were again fun, as I could visit all stalls along with the Defence Minister.

Throughout the day, not even a single soul bothered to check whether I had a pass. Of course, I had to go hungry the whole day as the eateries were outside the tarmac and if I had gone out for a bite, the chances of re-entry were extremely doubtful!

 

Courtesy- Deccan Herald