Date:31/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/31/stories/2008083156790100.htm

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Actor-couple detained at Hyderabad airport

Staff Reporter

Revolver found in Jeevitha’s handbag

- A file photo

CAUGHT UNAWARES: Actor Rajasekhar and wife Jeevitha.

HYDERABAD: Actor Rajasekhar and his wife Jeevitha were detained for a while at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after security personnel found a revolver in their hand baggage on Saturday.

Police let them off after ascertaining that Rajasekhar had a valid licence for the weapon and that he had mistakenly carried the Smith and Wesson revolver into the airport.

The actor-couple was to take a Jetlite flight to Chennai at noon, but had to cancel their trip as police detained them for questioning.

The couple checked in at 11.30 a.m and security personnel found the revolver in Jeevitha’s handbag.

They were asked to step aside and local police called in.

The couple was later taken to Shamshabad police station from the airport for questioning.

“His gun licence is valid till 2009. The unloaded revolver was found in the baggage,” said Cyberabad DCP B. Srinivasulu.

The actor explained to the police that his maid or security guard could have put the weapon in the handbag by mistake while packing.

Mr. Srinivasulu said that carrying a weapon into the airport mistakenly did not amount to an offence and hence no case was registered. “Had he carried the weapon into the flight or not possessed the firearm licence, it would have become a grave offence,” he maintained.