Amritsar, 16 October (H.S.): Sixteen passengers were detained by airport police at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar after suspicions arose that they were attempting to travel to Sharjah using allegedly fake air tickets. All the passengers were released after questioning, officials said.

According to the information available, the passengers had arrived at the airport to board a flight from Amritsar to Sharjah. During routine pre-flight ticket verification, officials noticed suspected discrepancies in the tickets of 16 passengers. The matter was subsequently reported to the concerned authorities, and the passengers were questioned.

Airport in-charge Kuljit said the passengers had been released. Meanwhile, the process of registering an FIR against the agent who allegedly arranged the tickets is underway.

Investigating agencies are examining where the suspected fake tickets were prepared and whether an organised network was involved in the case. The role of the person who arranged the tickets, along with other aspects of the incident, is also being investigated.

According to available information, a one-way ticket from Amritsar to Sharjah costs around ₹18,000. However, the actual fare may vary depending on the travel date, airline and booking conditions.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH