US Doctor Detained at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport

Incident Overview

A US-based physician was detained at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport after security personnel discovered a prohibited satellite phone in his luggage during the pre-boarding screening for a Delhi-bound flight. The 45-year-old doctor, a resident of Alabama, was set to board an Air India flight to Delhi on Thursday afternoon when the device was identified during baggage scanning.

Details of the Discovery

According to reports from The Times of India, a constable on duty detected a Garmin satellite phone during the security check. Airport officials promptly alerted the MIDC CIDCO police station. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel seized the device in the presence of panch witnesses, along with a photocopy of the doctor’s passport, and subsequently handed it over to the police for further action.

Legal Context and Doctor’s Explanation

Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar noted that satellite phones are prohibited in India without prior approval from the Union government. During questioning, the doctor claimed ignorance of the restriction and admitted he had not secured the necessary permission. He stated that he intended to use the device for emergency communication and GPS tracking and provided a written apology acknowledging his oversight.

Police Procedure Following the Incident

Following directives from senior officials, the doctor was taken to the MIDC CIDCO police station, where his statement was recorded with the help of a bilingual interpreter. He clarified that the device had not been activated and remained switched off throughout his travels. After completing the necessary formalities and issuing a warning, police allowed him to leave. Officials confirmed that the satellite phone was seized, and a station diary entry was made regarding the incident.

Background Information

Sources revealed that the doctor had visited Latur district and was en route back to the United States when he was detained at the airport. In a related context, Medic Helpline previously reported on a London-based doctor and popular YouTuber, Sangram Patil, who faced detention at Mumbai International Airport due to a social media post criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. He was questioned for several hours by crime branch officials before being released after receiving a notice under section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).