Indian Worker Remanded for Alleged Unauthorised Airport Entry Attempt

An Indian national has been remanded in custody for an additional 15 days after allegedly attempting to enter Velana International Airport using an access pass issued to another foreign national.

Sanjeeva Reddy Yelma, 45, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to enter the airport through Gate 51 on the eastern side using a pass issued by the Aviation and Port Security Command to another individual. The Criminal Court ordered his continued detention for 15 days today.

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According to the court order, the pass used by Sanjeeva had been issued to another foreign national whose work visa had already been cancelled. Sanjeeva, who is legally employed in the Maldives, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to enter a restricted area without authorisation.

During the remand hearing, Sanjeeva reportedly told the court that his “boss” had given him the access pass he used to enter the airport.

However, the judge cited prima facie evidence supporting the allegation and the potential threat to public security posed by the suspect in extending his remand. Police are continuing to investigate the case.