Italian national detained at Varanasi airport for possessing satellite phone

A foreign national was detained at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Saturday after security personnel discovered a satellite phone in his possession during a routine check.

Authorities have begun questioning the individual, as the use of satellite phones in India is strictly regulated and prohibited without prior permission.

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According to official sources, the individual has been identified as Alessandra, a citizen of Italy. He was scheduled to board IndiGo flight 6E-6597 from Varanasi to Bengaluru when personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detected the device during screening.

Following the initial inquiry, airport authorities informed local police and other investigative agencies. Devendra Kumar Singh, Station House Officer of Phulpur Police Station, said the Italian national was unaware of the restrictions on satellite phones in India.

Currently, intelligence and security agencies are conducting a detailed investigation into the matter.