Were doing nothing wrong,desperate to go home: detained UK plane-spotters

“This is normal activity for us,so I don’t know why we have been detained. I am in touch with my counsel who is looking into the matter,” Hampton said.

About their release,he said: “There is no news from (investigating) agencies yet.”

The two are desperate to go home. “We are missing our families. This matter is taking too long,” Hampton said.

About the facilities at the detention centre,he said they are getting proper food,“but it is limited”. “Steve is not keeping well. Indian authorities have to take a decision soon.”

The duo is also in touch with officials of the British High Commission who have reportedly said the duo have a clean record. Indian agencies,however,are verifying their movement in the country and other details.

The duo’s lawyer,Rajeev Awasthi,told Newsline they will wait till authorities finish the inquiry. “Nothing questionable has been found against my clients. But we do not want to take any step during the inquiry process.” He added if the inquiry does not end on time,they would move court against the detention.

When asked about the Indian authorities’ claims that the British nationals were gathering information about aircraft and the airport,Awasthi said,“This is a hobby that is well-accepted in the West. They were watching aircraft and no recording equipment (as was reported) has been found in their possession.”

The Delhi Police,as reported by Newsline,are exploring the possibility of booking the two under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code,which allows an officer with magisterial powers to arrest a person for ‘potential to cause unrest or danger to peace and tranquility’.

In other countries

In November 2001,fourteen aircraft-spotters (12 British and two Dutch nationals) were arrested by the police after they were seen checking out planes during an open day at the Greek Air Force base at Kalamata. They were charged with espionage,and faced a possible 20-year prison term. After being held for six weeks,they were eventually released on bail,and the charges were reduced to that of illegal information collection. In India,such people cannot be charged under penal provisions.