Varanasi@Udaan India 

An American tourist, Brian Steur, was detained at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Babatpur, Varanasi, on charges of carrying a satellite phone during a security check. Steur arrived at the airport at noon to catch Air India flight AI 405 to Delhi, but during the security check in the security hold area, CISF personnel found a satellite phone in his possession.

What's the Whole Story?

During questioning, Brian Steur, a U.S. citizen, explained that using satellite phones is legal in his country. He and his daughter are mountain climbers and use the phone to stay in touch with family while climbing. However, he was unaware of Indian laws that prohibit the use of satellite phones. The officers informed him that carrying such a phone in India is legally an offense. Subsequently, security officers handed Steur over to the police.

Officials at the Varanasi airport mentioned that this is not the first time a foreign tourist has been found with a satellite phone. Similar incidents occurred in 2019 with a Russian tourist and in 2018 with a Chinese passenger. In those cases, the phones were seized, and the travelers were released.

How Was the Device Missed in Earlier Checks?

Initial police inquiries revealed that Brian Steur landed at Delhi Airport on October 11, but the satellite phone was not detected there. Afterward, he visited Kathmandu, Nepal, and arrived in Varanasi via Buddha Air three days before. The satellite phone went unnoticed during customs checks in Varanasi, and he traveled around the city with it. However, when he was preparing to return to Delhi, CISF personnel at the airport noticed the phone and detained him.

Steur has informed the U.S. Embassy of the incident and requested Indian authorities allow him to proceed to Delhi and return his phone securely.

Why Are Satellite Phones Banned in India?

In India, only the military and government agencies are permitted to use satellite phones due to national security concerns. Besides, using a satellite phone requires special permission from the Department of Telecommunications. Violating this rule can lead to legal action, which is why CISF detained the American traveler.

Similar Incidents in the Past

There have been previous cases of foreigners found carrying satellite phones in India. It's observed that foreigners often are unaware of this rule and unknowingly use these devices. In past cases, satellite phones were seized, and travelers were let off with a warning.

Conclusion

This incident raises questions about airport security and screening procedures in India. How did a prohibited device go undetected through multiple checks? However, CISF acted promptly and caught it at the right time, averting a potential threat. Indian security agencies are thoroughly investigating this matter and ensuring preventive measures for the future.