Two American nationals, including one of Indian origin, were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security personnel discovered prohibited communication equipment in their luggage.
The discovery occurred during a routine security screening for an Air India flight bound for New Delhi, reports The Indian Express.
The primary suspect was identified as Jeffry Scott Prather, a citizen of the United States. He was detained alongside a fellow traveller, whom police sources described as a US national of Indian origin.
During the inspection, airport security recovered a Garmin satellite communicator and a Garmin GPS device from Prather’s possessions.
Technical specifications reveal the GPS unit was manufactured in Taiwan and operates via the Iridium satellite network. This network provides global coverage, including accessibility in remote and high-altitude regions.
Under Indian law, the operation of satellite-based communication systems – specifically Thuraya and Iridium phones – is strictly forbidden without prior authorisation from the government.
The unauthorised possession of such equipment is a punishable offence under the Indian Telegraph Act, which provides for fines, arrest, and the seizure of the devices.
Following preliminary questioning by airport security officials, both individuals were handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Authorities are currently investigating the specific purpose of their visit to Kashmir and the intended application of the satellite communicator and GPS device.
