It's learnt that Bona had purchased the satellite phone in Dubai before arriving in Kerala and was reportedly unaware of the restrictions on its use in India.
Published Feb 22, 2025 | 11:50 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 22, 2025 | 11:53 AM
Israeli tourist held for unauthorized use of satellite phone. (iStock)
Synopsis: Israeli tourist David Elis Bona, 75, was arrested in Mundakayam, Kerala, for using an unauthorized satellite phone. Bona, unaware of India’s restrictions, had purchased the phone in Dubai. He was questioned by police, Intelligence, and NIA before being granted bail. Authorities seized the phone, and an FIR was filed under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act.
An Israeli tourist was arrested in Mundakayam, of Kottayam district in Kerala, on Friday, 21 February, for using a satellite phone without authorization.
The 75-year-old, identified as David Elis Bona, was travelling with his wife from Kumarakom to Thekkady when the unauthorized use of the device was detected by the Intelligence wing.
Acting on the alert, the police apprehended him in Mundakayam on Friday.
It’s learnt that Bona had purchased the satellite phone in Dubai before arriving in Kerala and was reportedly unaware of the restrictions on its use in India.
According to a Times of India report, the elderly couple told police that they were not aware that satellite phones were not allowed in India. They purchased the phone belonging to the Thuraya company from Dubai Airport. They told police that they heard the internet connectivity was poor here and hence decided to use the satellite phone to connect to relatives back home.
He was questioned by the police, Intelligence officials, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) before being granted bail.
Authorities have seized the satellite phone, and an FIR has been registered under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act.
Use of Thuraya/Irridium satellite phones is unauthorized/illegal in India under Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
