In a significant development today, a Mechanical Engineer from Texas, USA, was arrested with live cartridges at the Biju Patnaik International Airport while he was trying to go to Paradip in a chopper. The US national was identified as William Michael Hurtubis (27). He was caught with eight point 22 mm bullets. William pleaded innocence and claimed that he had a licenced pistol in America and by mistake, brought the cartridges.
The Engineer had come to Odisha for mechanical inspection of a defunct ship at Paradip Port. The Odisha Police have expressed surprise about how Williams managed to give a slip to the security agencies at Texas Airport and IGI Airport in Delhi. The cops are taking it seriously, as William’s detention came close on the heels of the shooting incident at Washington Navy Yard, which left 13 people dead.
The US Embassy in Delhi has been informed about the incident. A team of NIA officials may arrive in Bhubaneswar to interrogate William, who has denied involvement in any criminal activities. He had come to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday and even stayed at a city-based luxury hotel.
