US national among two held with satellite phone at Srinagar airport: Reports

A US national was among two persons reportedly detained at Srinagar International Airport on Sunday (April 19) after security personnel recovered a satellite phone from his luggage during a routine screening.

The individual, identified as Jeffrey Scott Prather, a resident of Montana, was first questioned by airport security before being handed over to police for further investigation.

While some media reports have claimed both the detainees are from the US, some have reported that one is from Kolkata, identified as Koushik Haldar, who was accompanying Prather.

Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the purpose of their visit and the intended use of the device.

Satellite phones require permission

The satellite phone recovered from Prather's luggage was manufactured by Garmin. Under Indian regulations, travellers are required to obtain written permission from the Department of Telecommunications before carrying or using satellite communication devices in the country.

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India enforces strict telecom restrictions, particularly in sensitive regions such as Kashmir, and both foreign nationals and Indian citizens have faced action in the past for similar violations.

Fines up to Rs 2 crore

This is not an isolated incident. Authorities have previously detained a Chinese citizen and a British executive for carrying unauthorised satellite devices at airports and hotels. To address the recurring issue, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in January 2025 directed airlines to inform passengers of the ban through in-flight announcements and onboard publications.

Both the US and UK governments have issued travel advisories warning citizens that carrying such devices into India could result in fines of up to Rs 2 crore, confiscation of equipment, or arrest.

(With agency inputs)