Topics: India, Technology, Travel, Instagram, World News
"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," writes one holidaymaker who was arrested for carrying a gadget many Americans possess.
Tina Lewis, of Colorado, is currently traveling through India as she bids to tick off all seven wonders of the world - and having succeeded in chalking off the Taj Mahal from the list, she ran into a bit of trouble that cost a pretty penny.
On October 1, the 51-year-old trail runner shared with her followers on Instagram that she'd flown into India - passing through passport control was no issue.
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"The vibe is so different in Goa. I feel like I should be listening to reggae music. India is so beautiful, unique and extremely diverse," writes the Canadian.
"You sense you are in a different country when traveling to different States in India. From vastly different landscapes, clothing, food, music, customs & religion. One country but many faces.
"India, you have captured my heart!"
She has been journeying through the South Asian country for almost three months since, but while leaving the western Indian state of Goa - which bares Portuguese influence with the European country having colonized the area for around 450 years - she ran into some trouble.
But upon leaving the state to fly to Kochi, in the southwest state of Kerala, she ran into trouble for having a Garmin inReach device - which is a two-way satellite communicator.
Taking to Instagram she wrote: "India trip. Edition: Arrested."
She went on to explain how she has brought the GPS device with her to countries all around the world, including India, so that she can check in with her friends and family when there is 'no cell reception for safety as a solo female traveler'.
The post continued: "I was detained at airport security (CISF) in Goa and escorted to the Goan police outpost to be investigated. I was not aware a GPS device was illegal. It is a 1933 (!!!) law. According to the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, possession of wireless telegraphy equipment without a proper license is prohibited.
"After hours of investigation, being bailed out from a friends lawyer connection at midnight, days in court, my case was finally cleared & closed. There is a lot more to the story for another time.
"Since my case started, there has been at least 2 other tourists arrested. One Czech with a cycling Garmin GPS and an American with GPS. This outdated law needs to be challenged at higher court so other travelers do not experience what I, and others have."
She continued: "WARNING: carrying a GPS device in India can get you arrested!
"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 & 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.
"I am most certainly getting the entire India experience."
So, if you're planning to travel India anytime soon - don't bring a GPS tracker!
