Chennai: A US national travelling to Singapore was detained at the city airport on Sunday for carrying a satellite phone in his baggage. The US Embassy has been informed about his detention.
The passenger, identified as David, 55, was set to board a midnight flight to Singapore when CISF personnel discovered the device during a security check. They asked him to step aside for further inquiry.
Authorities reported that David told them he travelled from the US to New Delhi and then to the Andaman Islands, without being questioned about the satellite phone during his entire journey. However, he was stopped at Chennai airport and subsequently handed over to the local police for further investigation.
Officials have notified the US Embassy about the incident, and an investigation is underway.
The airport police are investigating his occupation and why he was carrying the satellite phone.
According to regulations established by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Union home ministry, satellite phones are prohibited for personal use in India following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Such devices are only allowed with prior permission from the Department of Telecom (DoT). In the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DoT, the phones can be confiscated, and the user may face detention.