Ex-Indian president frisked at US airport

NEW DEHLI: Former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked by US authorities at New York airport for explosives on September 29 before boarding an Air India flight, Geo News reported quoting Indian media.

Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna spoke to Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao and directed her to take up the matter in writing at the "highest level" with Washington.

The US authorities apologized on the matter and ordered an inquiry after India protested over the matter.

A report in Hindustan Times said: "Even after Kalam was seated, the US security personnel forced the crew to open the door and took away the jacket and boots of the former president to check for explosives since they had forgotten to do so before his boarding".