Click to play videoNew Delhi: Despite an increased threat perception and claims of a heightened state of alert at all Indian airports, an American passenger managed to get past the security systems at New Delhi Airport – and almost through Chennai on Thursday – before being caught with a gun and 35 rounds of ammunition in his baggage.
Fifty-eight-year-old Selimer flew into India from the US on May 25 for a medical treatment. He left for Chennai via New Delhi the same day and was going to fly out from Chennai for Mumbai on Thursday before he was detained.
Selimer was detained by CISF personnel at the Chennai airport after they found an Austrian-made 'Calibre 40' weapon during the baggage scan.
When questioned by reporters, Selimer said he was unaware of Indian laws that prohibit carrying firearms in flights.
Question: Do you realise why you have been detained?
Selimer: Yes Because I brought fire arms into the country.
Question: Did you realise that its illegal to bring firearms into the airport?
Selimer: Yes, I realise that now
While he has been put under arrest, the fact that he went through undetected at Delhi and almost in Chennai reveals the shocking state of affairs at various airports across the country.
A statement from Jet Airways – the airline Selimer was to fly from Chennai to Mumbai – says, "The guest had neither declared the carriage of weapon and ammunition before screening nor was he in possession of valid documents related to the weapon and ammunition. Hence as per procedure, he was handed to Chennai Airport Police Station."
The US Consulate officials visited the accused at the airport police station but refused to comment on the issue.
"We are not authorised to speak about any American citizen involved in a legal case according to the Privacy Act,” said representative of US Consulate William E Web.
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