An American university student was detained at Chennai International Airport early Thursday after airport security officials found a satellite phone in his possession. The device, which is banned in India without prior permission, raised immediate security concerns.
The student, identified as 22-year-old Oakley Jackson, was scheduled to travel to Australia via Singapore on a Scoot Airlines flight that was preparing for departure around 12.30 a.m. During routine security screening, officials discovered the satellite phone in his baggage.
Jackson, who had arrived in Chennai from Delhi last week on a tourist visit, told the authorities that he had brought the phone from the United States and had already travelled within India with it, including to Delhi and Chennai, without facing any issues.
However, security officials at the airport did not accept his explanation, pointing to the risk posed by such communication devices, which can operate independently of local networks and are difficult to monitor.
Following the discovery, his flight ticket was cancelled, and the satellite phone was seized. Both Jackson and the device were handed over to the airport police for further investigation.
Police sources said they are now examining whether the satellite phone was used during the student’s stay in Chennai, and if so, with whom he might have communicated. Investigators are also checking if there were any attempts made to contact him through the device while he was in India.
The unauthorised possession of satellite phones is considered a serious offence in India due to national security implications. Carrying such a device without clearance from the Department of Telecommunications is punishable under Indian law. Officials have previously advised travellers to declare satellite phones in advance and secure the necessary approvals before entering the country.
The US Consulate in Chennai has been notified about the incident, and consular officials are expected to assist Jackson as the inquiry continues. He remains in police custody while the investigation is underway. Further action will depend on whether any misuse of the device can be established.
