Chennai: The CEO of a German car company was intercepted by security officers at the Chennai International Airport for carrying a satellite phone which is illegal in India.
Bitzer Jochen, 46 had travelled to Chennai to attend an annual board meeting held at a hotel in Velachery on Friday. He had landed in Chennai on Thursday and stayed at the Velachery hotel overnight. After the meeting had ended, he returned to the Chennai International Airport to leave for Philippines where his bag was checked by security officers.
On checking his hand-baggage, they found a satellite phone, which raised alarms.
The officers then went on to inform Bitzer that satellite phones were illegal in India and anyone using a satellite phone without prior permission violates the Indian Telegraph Act and can be penalised under it.
Bitzer argued saying that he had entered India while in possession of the satellite phone and airport officials did not stop him then. He also asked the airport authorities to put up boards in the airport informing passengers on gadgets and items which are illegal in India.
The security officers, however, blamed Bitzer, saying that he did not declare the phone at customs while entering.
They did not allow him to travel on Friday. Security officers then handed over Bitzer, along with the satellite phone to the Airport police, who began to look into the matter.
Bitzer explained that many countries allowed legal phones and since it was his first time to India he was unaware. The embassy was then informed following which the airport police asked him to return on Saturday evening, explain his situation in writing and leave on the next flight. However, the satellite phone will not be returned they said.
CISF officers say that several people submit satellite phones and even gold at the airport before entering the country. Bitzer could've also done the same, they said.
