SRINAGAR: A United States national and an accompanying individual of Indian origin were detained at Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after security authorities recovered a prohibited satellite device from his luggage during routine screening, police sources said.
The incident came to light during standard security checks, following which airport officials alerted security agencies and handed both individuals over to the police for further questioning.
The U.S. national has been identified as Jeffrey Scott Prather, a resident of Montana, USA. Police sources said that Prather was intercepted during routine checks after security personnel discovered the satellite device in the luggage. Given the sensitive security environment in the region, the recovery of such equipment prompted immediate action by the authorities.
Officials further said that another individual, Haldar Koushik, originally from Kolkata and currently settled in the United States, was accompanying the U.S. national at the time and has also been detained. Both individuals are presently being questioned to ascertain the purpose of their visit, the origin of the device, and the circumstances under which it was being carried.
The use and possession of satellite phones and trackers are strictly regulated in Jammu and Kashmir, and unauthorised possession is prohibited under existing security norms. Police sources confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to determine whether there are any security implications linked to the recovery of the device. Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.
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