476 instances of use of banned satellite phones in Karnataka since last year: Govt

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has information about the use of banned satellite phones to make international calls and the state police were in touch in this regard with intelligence agencies, who are maintaining a strict vigil. “After the 2011 Mumbai terror attack, Director General Shipping had issued a circular in 2012, banning the usage of satellite phones on Indian seas or waters. Its usage has been banned across the country in general, but still its usage at places has come to notice,” Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said.

Responding to Congress MLA U T Khader in the Assembly during the zero hour, he said, the government has information about the use of satellites phones at 256 incidents in 2020, and 220 in 2021 so far.