The mysterious objects spotted on Monday over the Mumbai airport — that had raised concerns about the security of airspace — turned out to be air balloons for the promotion of a cricket match.
The event was organised last week by an export company whose owner had successfully bid for Prime Minister Narenrda Modi’s famous embroidered suit earlier this year. The balloons were released by an event management company. Two of its employees were arrested on Tuesday.
“Our teams visited playgrounds and open spaces in the slums and the Bandra Kurla complex area. At Kalina Ground, we learnt that cricket matches were held near gate number 8 and that it was hired by Dharmanand Diamond Export Pvt. Ltd,” said Inspector Yogesh Shinde of the Airport police station.
The police then questioned balloon sellers. One vendor told them that two men, Kunal Shah and Nilesh Shrimankar, had purchased helium balloons from him. The two were arrested and produced before an Andheri court which granted them bail.
