CISF staff at Mangalore Airport return lost purse with $10,000 worth of valuables to passenger

It was a hectic Tuesday at Mangalore International Airport when a flustered traveler realised her purse was missing after clearing security. The small leather bag, reportedly packed with jewellery, cash and a few personal items, vanished somewhere between the X‑ray scanner and the departure lounge.

Within minutes, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) team stationed at the airport sprang into action. Officers combed through the luggage carousel, checked the security footage and even queried nearby vendors. Their thoroughness paid off – the purse was found tucked behind a row of unattended chairs, untouched.

When the passenger, who chose to remain unnamed, was informed, relief was evident. “I was terrified I’d lost everything of value,” she said, holding up the bag. “Finding it intact, with everything still there, was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

The contents were later appraised at roughly $10,000, a sum that includes gold ornaments, a designer watch and cash. CISF officials emphasized that such recoveries are a routine part of their duty, aimed at safeguarding both passengers and their belongings.

“Our job is to ensure that passengers feel safe and that any mishap is quickly rectified,” explained Sub‑Inspector Ramesh Kumar of the CISF unit. “We encourage travelers to keep an eye on their items, but we’re always ready to help when something goes missing.”

Airport authorities also used the incident to remind travelers about best practices: keep valuables close, double‑check before leaving the security area, and report any loss immediately. Their prompt response, they said, underscores the airport’s commitment to passenger safety and service.

As the passenger boarded her flight, she expressed gratitude not just for the return of her purse, but for the professionalism shown by the security staff. “It’s comforting to know that the airport takes care of us, even when we make a small mistake,” she added.