A Scottish hiker has spoken out after being arrested and detained at an airport in India for carrying a GPS tracking device.
Heather Mackins celebrated Hogmanay in Delhi before she was due to head out to the mountainous region of Rishikesh for a yoga and meditation retreat on December 2.
However, when going through security at Indira Gandhi International Airport in the Indian capital, she was stopped by authorities for carrying a Garmin inReach Mini.
The adventurer claims she was eventually handed over to the police and after hours of being held has been told she will have to attend court.
She remains in Delhi as she awaits the outcome.
Heather told her followers in an emotional video on Instagram that she was “totally overwhelmed” and warned others not to fall victim after only just learning that the devices are illegal in India.
On Thursday, she wrote: “At around 10.30am this morning, I was passing through security at Delhi Airport with the intention of taking an internal flight to Rishikesh, I innocently placed my Garmin inReach in the tray to go through the scanner and at that moment I was promptly pulled aside by security and told to wait. I waited and waited, wondering what on earth was going on.
“I was eventually told that the Garmin was illegal here and that they were handing me over to the Police.
“I called the Embassy whilst waiting for the Police and I await their further guidance, however, they are not able to intervene with legal proceedings,” she added.
“I was eventually taken to the police station where I was questioned, in a fairly friendly manner and made to sign document after document. I didn’t take the ‘no comment’ stance, foolishly or not, it is my nature to be honest and after all, there was absolutely no intent on my behalf.
“At 9pm, I was finally released from the police station on the condition that I am required to return to attend court.”
Heather, who is originally from Scotland but now lives in West Yorkshire, is not the first traveller to fall foul of the law in India. Just last month, Canadian national Tina Lewis was arrested for similar reasons at Daolim International Airport after flying with the same device for running.
Pocket-sized satellite messaging devices are widely used by backpackers and hikers to stay connected in remote areas. However, their built-in satellite transmitters reportedly violate the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, which prohibits the possession of wireless telegraphy equipment without a valid license.
The UK government’s foreign travel advice for India warns that “it is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence.
“British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission.”
Police in Dehli have been contacted for comment.
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