Israeli Tourist Arrested in Northern India After Bullet Found in Luggage
A 24-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested at Kangra Airport in northern India after a rifle bullet was found in his luggage. The Foreign Ministry reiterated warnings for travelers to check bags for stray military ammunition.
A 24-year-old Israeli tourist was arrested this week at Kangra Airport in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh after a single rifle bullet was found in his luggage during security checks, local police told the media.
The Israeli, Yonatan Levi, arrived on Tuesday at Kangra Airport in Gaggal, intending to board a SpiceJet flight to New Delhi. During the X-ray screening of his checked luggage, security personnel discovered the round. The bullet was confiscated, and local police were called to the scene. According to local reports, the incident involved flight SG-2451 from Dharamshala to Delhi.
Police Investigation and Court Appearance
Kangra District Superintendent of Police, Kulbhushan Verma, stated that following the discovery, Levi was arrested and a case was opened against him at the Gaggal police station under firearms offenses. The police are investigating how the bullet came into his possession and why it was in his luggage.
During his initial interrogation, Levi stated that he had served in the IDF and claimed the bullet was apparently left in his bag by mistake, adding that he was completely unaware of its presence. Authorities confirmed that no weapon or additional ammunition was found in his possession.
He was brought before a court on Wednesday, which ordered his continued police custody for another two days to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the case is known and is being handled by the Israeli Consulate in India and the Department for Israelis in Distress Abroad.
Foreign Ministry Warning to Travelers
Kangra Airport serves as the aerial gateway to Dharamshala and Dharamkot, which are prominent strongholds for Israeli backpackers and popular destinations in northern India.
In accordance with an explicit warning issued by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israeli tourists traveling to India are urged to thoroughly inspect backpacks and luggage used during military service or reserve duty before departure. Guidelines issued by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi emphasize the critical need to ensure that not even a single stray bullet remains in bags due to severe legal risks and strict penalties under Indian law.
