NT Reporter
Pernem
The Mopa airport police have booked 24 foreign nationals since 2023 for carrying unauthorised GPS and satellite communication devices during
security screening.
These tourists were found with GPS-enabled or satellite communication equipment without the required licences, in violation of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, which restricts unauthorised possession of such devices due to national security concerns.
According to police data, one case was reported in 2023, followed by seven cases in 2024 and 14 foreign nationals were booked in 2025. In addition, three Indian nationals were also booked in 2025. Since early 2026, two more foreign nationals have been booked for carrying
similar devices.
Those booked include travellers from countries such as the United States, Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Australia, Ukraine, Romania and
New Zealand.
Under Indian law, devices capable of satellite communication or transmitting signals independently of local telecom networks are strictly regulated. Authorities said such equipment can pose security risks, including unauthorised transmission of sensitive
location data.
Officials said that many of those booked claimed ignorance of Indian laws.
Devices such as cycling GPS computers, trekking navigation units and satellite communicators, commonly used abroad, may be illegal in India if they include satellite transmission features without prior approval. Possession of such devices without a licence in India can result in FIRs, detention and
legal proceedings.
Police said that offenders are typically booked and produced before a court, where cases are disposed of with the imposition of fines in most instances.
