Mobile jammer seized from Palika Bazaar during security checks

The Delhi Police seized a mobile network jammer from Palika Bazaar during the pre-Diwali security checks, police officials said on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla, said, “Our teams are diligently verifying all shops, hotels and public places ahead of the festive season. During a special check, we uncovered a suspicious device in the market.” The device, resembling a mobile network jammer, was promptly confiscated by the police.

Mahla added, “We are adhering to standard procedures to verify the device. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to the police.”

A jammer is a device that emits radio signals to disrupt communication by overpowering receivers, often affecting mobile networks, GPS and Wi-Fi signals.

In India, the use of cellular signal jammers, GPS blockers, or other jamming devices is generally prohibited by law, with exceptions granted only to specific government agencies. Private individuals or businesses cannot purchase or utilise jammers. Additionally, the import, sale, or advertising of jammers is illegal.

Under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, jammers are classified as restricted items, necessitating a license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for importation.

Only designated government entities, such as Central Ministries, defence forces, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are authorised to employ jammers. These agencies must procure jammers exclusively from authorised public sector manufacturers, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), and are solely meant for approved purposes.