Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 21: A 47-year-old man from Dehradun was arrested at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Wednesday after immigration officials found that the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate he submitted upon arrival from South America was forged.

The accused, identified as Diwan Singh Chauhan, was intercepted during routine document verification. Officials said he produced a Yellow Fever card claiming he had been vaccinated on November 17, 2024, after paying ?300 to the Airport Health Organisation. However, upon scrutiny, the certificate bearing serial number D-15803 was found to be fake.

Immigration authorities stated that travellers to countries in South America and Africa are required to receive the Yellow Fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to departure. The vaccine is administered only by the Airport Health Organisation and centres authorised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is taken once in a lifetime, after which a valid international vaccination certificate is issued.

Officials further noted that India has no reported case of Yellow Fever, and the vaccination mandate is aimed at preventing the disease from entering the country. Passengers arriving without valid proof of vaccination may be placed under observation for up to six days.

A case has been registered at the Sahar Police Station under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.