Team Goemkarponn
MOPA: Mopa Airport police have registered a case against a United Kingdom national for allegedly carrying a prohibited satellite phone at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
According to police, the offence was registered on March 30 at 2.19 pm vide Crime No. 14/2026 under Section 3 read with Section 6(1A) of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, based on a complaint filed by Vijay Yadav, CT/GD, CISF ASG Unit, Manohar International Airport.
Police said that at around 7.33 am, the accused, identified as William James Buchanan Smellie (62), a resident of 23 Winsham Grove, London SWI 6NB, United Kingdom, was scheduled to travel to Mumbai from Manohar International Airport on Air India Express flight IX 2368 (STD 9.10 am).
During security screening in the Domestic SHA, ATRS-G detected a satellite phone of “Garmin” make in the handbag of the passenger. Satellite phones are prohibited in India without prior permission from competent authorities. The accused allegedly failed to produce any valid licence or authorization for carrying the device.
Police stated that the accused was summoned with notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS on March 30.
Further investigation is being carried out by PSI Sagar Vazarkar of Mopa Airport Police Station.
