Two US Nationals Detained at Srinagar Airport for Satellite Device

Two United States nationals were detained at Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after security officials discovered a prohibited satellite communication device in their luggage during a routine screening.

The individuals, identified as Jeffrey Scott Prather, a resident of Montana, and Haldar Koushik, who is of Indian origin and based in the United States, were preparing to board an Air India flight to Delhi when the device was found in their handbags. Airport security personnel intercepted the pair, deboarded them from the flight, and seized the equipment, described as a satellite-enabled GPS device. Officials immediately alerted police, who took custody of the two for questioning.

An FIR was registered at the Budgam Police Station under Section 43(3)(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses the unauthorized possession or use of restricted communication devices. Security agencies are reviewing the men's travel history and probing the purpose of carrying the device, with no immediate conclusions reached. A senior police official stated that all aspects of the incident are under investigation, but emphasized that strict monitoring of such equipment remains...