Team Goemkarponn
MOPA: A passenger bound for Mumbai was intercepted at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, after security personnel detected two prohibited Garmin satellite communication devices in his handbag during routine screening.
According to Mopa Airport Police, the incident occurred on November 6 at around 8:45 p.m. when CISF personnel manning the Domestic SHA screening detected the devices through the ATRS-H scanner. The accused, identified as Arun Govind Sapkale (41), a resident of Kalyan, Thane, Maharashtra, was scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India flight IX1209, seat number 6F, which was set to depart at 10:10 p.m.
Upon being questioned, Sapkale failed to produce any valid license or permission from the competent authority for possession of the satellite devices, which are prohibited in India under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
Following a complaint lodged by SI (Executive) Sandeep Singh of CISF ASG Unit, Manohar International Airport, the Mopa Airport Police registered Crime No. 50/2025 under Sections 3 read with 6(1A) of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
The accused was issued a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and subsequently charge-sheeted under Charge Sheet No. 43/2025 on November 7. The case is now pending trial before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Pernem.
