Tourist’s warning after arrest in India over common device in her bag

A tourist has issued a warning to fellow travellers over a common device which landed her in trouble with the law.

Tina Lewis, a Canadian trail runner who now lives in Colorado, had been travelling across India during a months-long trip when she ran into the legal snag.

She had travelled through a number of other Indian airports before catching the attention of airport security in Goa.

As she often travels solo, Tina usually carries a mini GPS device – in this case a Garmin inReach – used to signal for help or just stay in contact with others while camping or otherwise exploring where there is no mobile phone reception.

But she ended up being detained by airport security before being escorted to the local police station over the GPS device – which breaks a law dating back to 1933.

According to the Indian wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, possession of wireless telegraphy equipment without a proper license is prohibited.

The ban encompasses satellite technology, included in the Garmin inReach Mini device, described on the company’s site as a ‘go-to connection for maintaining off-the-grid contact.

But the Garmin website does include a warning that some jurisdictions ‘regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices’, and it’s up to the user to follow relevant laws, MailOnline reports.

After spending hours at the police station Tina was bailed out by a friend’s lawyer at around midnight – and after ‘days of court’ her case ‘was finally cleared’.

She spent thousands in court fines and lawyer fees in addition for surrendering her Garmin device, and it took six days for her passport to be returned.

But she’s not the first tourist to fall foul of these laws.

A Czech traveler was also arrested in Goa with a Garmin device earlier this month, as was an American with a satellite phone in Dehradun, according to local reports.

‘This outdated law needs to be challenged at higher courts so other travelers do not experience what I and others have,’ Tina posted on Instagram, adding: ‘WARNING: carrying a GPS device in India can get you arrested!’

But she continued her trip to India regardless, saying: ‘Since receiving my passport back, I did not want to make a rash decision and just fly home. I was not letting this experience ruin my trip. 

‘I took a few days to rest and reset on the beach. 

‘I’m not sure I will feel the same way about the country as I did before but I’m willing to at least leave with a better experience, and some good stories.’

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