There’s always a right place and time to crack jokes. You never know how a seemingly harmless joke would be received by the other person. The right person would laugh along with you, but the wrong person can send you straight to jail!
A businessman from Ahmedabad who was on his way to Dubai for a meeting joked about being a “suicide bomber” at the security-check in Mumbai International Airport. According to TOI, 35-year-old Atul Patel can now face 6 years in prison if convicted.
Patel, an owner of a travel agency, allegedly told the CISF official at the security-check that he was a “suicide bomber” and they should check him quickly. While he was joking, the security took it seriously and was immediately tightened because a day before the airport authorities had received a mail stating that explosives were being boarded on three flights.
Security personnel checked Patel thoroughly, his bags taken off screening and individually examined. After no explosives were found, authorities handed him over to the police.
Patel has now been booked under sections 505 (rumour to intent cause fear) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.
One should never EVER joke in front of security, the police, and officials holding state power! Lesson learnt?