An Air India pilot was deplaned and arrested by the US law enforcement authorities in California over charges of downloading child pornography after his flight from New Delhi landed at the San Francisco airport.

The Mumbai-based pilot (aged over 50) was handcuffed and taken away in front of the passengers after being deplaned. His internet usage was reportedly being tracked by the FBI for over 2 months during his stop in the country. The US federal law prohibits the production, distribution, reception, and possession of an image of child pornography. A sealed dossier carrying information regarding his internet usage was handed over to the Indian authorities while he was in the US.

The man has been deported back to India after his passport was seized and US visa was cancelled by the authorities. He will reportedly never be able to visit the US again.