Srinagar: Two American nationals were detained at the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after a satellite phone was found in their luggage during a routine security check.
Airport authority questioned the US duo before handing them over to police for further investigation.
According to officials, the satellite phone manufactured by Garmin was recovered from the luggage of Jeoffery Scot from Montana.
Using or carrying satellite phone is prohibited in India without prior government approval. Unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest and seizure under the Indian Telegraph Act and other security rules.
A year ago, an American-based ophthalmologist was stopped at Puducherry airport after an Iridium satellite phone was found in her possession. She was not allowed to board a flight to Hyderabad, and a police investigation was initiated.
In other cases, a Chinese citizen and a British executive were detained for carrying unauthorised satellite devices at airports and hotels across the country.
Last year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation instructed airlines operating flights to India to inform passengers about the ban through in-flight announcements, overseas offices and onboard publications.
Aware of such a policy, travel advisories issued by the US and the UK warn citizens against carrying satellite phones or similar GPS devices to India, alerting them that they could face hefty fines, confiscation of equipment, or arrest.
