US National Among Two Detained at Srinagar Airport Over Prohibited Satellite Tracker

Two individuals, including a US national, were detained at Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after airport security personnel recovered a prohibited satellite tracker during a routine baggage screening.

One of the detained persons has been identified as Jeffrey Scott, a resident of Montana, United States. The second individual’s identity has not been officially confirmed yet. Reports indicate that a Garmin satellite phone or GPS-based tracker was found in their possession.

The device was detected during security checks at the airport. Both individuals were immediately handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police for further interrogation. Authorities have launched a probe to determine how the prohibited equipment entered the country and the purpose of the visit by the foreign national.

In Jammu and Kashmir and other sensitive areas of India, satellite phones and similar communication devices are strictly regulated and generally banned without prior government approval. Such equipment can bypass local cellular networks and is considered a potential security risk due to its possible use in unauthorised communications, especially near border regions or military installations.

This is not the first such incident. Several cases involving foreign nationals, including Americans, have been reported in recent years at various Indian airports where unauthorised satellite phones or trackers were seized, leading to detentions and legal proceedings.

Police officials said investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether any local facilitator was involved and to establish the full circumstances of the case. No formal charges have been filed yet, and further details, including the nationality and identity of the second detained person, are awaited.

Airport security remains on high alert in Srinagar amid the region’s sensitive security environment.