Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Aug 15: Rumours are making rounds that the inteliigence department has received information about signals from prohibited satellite phone calls being relayed in the coastal region of the state in the last three to four days. However, this news is not confirmed by police and intelligence departments.

Information was confirmed about satellite phone signals last year in Beltangady taluk and this year in Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada.

As per highly placed intelligence sources, fishermen who go for deep sea fishing make use of this type of satellite phones. This satellite phone, which is called Turayi is banned only in India. It is quite natural for such signals to get relayed when the ships pass through the border of territorial waters of India.

There are also possibilities that calls may be made to friends and relatives through satellite phones. However, so far there is no evidence of using satellite phones for terrorist activities in the coastal region of Karnataka. But these rumours cannot be neglected also, say intelligence department sources.

It is said that conversation via satellite phone is done between August 10 and 12 in areas of Honnavar, Kumta, Mysuru, Mandya and Gerusoppa.