Two Britons detained with suspicious gadgets

NEW DELHI - Two British nationals staying at the Radisson Hotel near the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here have been detained after they were found with suspicious gadgets and are being questioned, police said Tuesday.

Stephen Hampston and Steven Martin were detained by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Delhi Police Monday for possessing some high tech gadgets, maps and binoculars.

“They checked into the hotel on Feb 13 and hotel authorities informed us after they found their activities suspicious. We are questioning them,” a police officer said.

The two were carrying sophisticated gadgets that can be used to capture details of air traffic. They have told police that aircraft spotting is their hobby and they use the gadgets for that only, he added.

“We are also trying to find out people who they were in touch with in the national capital or other parts of the country.”

Officials from the British High Commission have got consular access and met the duo.

Police are verifying their passport and travel details and also examining the gadgets. Security agencies are also examining their mobile phones and laptop.

Delhi has been on high alert since Saturday after a blast in Pune left 10 people dead and many injured.

Last week, a US national was detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport when security agencies found a knife in his baggage.