Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Planespotters charged in India

Ap
Monday 22 February 2010 10:22 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two planespotters from Bristol have been charged with illegally monitoring planes in India.

Stephen Hampton and Steven Ayres aroused suspicion when they asked staff at a Delhi hotel for a room overlooking a runway.

They were carrying an air traffic control scanner, laptop, binoculars and cameras.

Police arrested them on February 15 and questioned them about monitoring flights at Delhi International Airport.

The pair were hoping to be released without charge but a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said they are due in court on Tuesday because they have now been charged with misusing communications equipment under the Indian Telegraph Act.

Mr Hampton and Mr Ayres are being held in a New Delhi immigration centre.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in