Chennai.28.09.2024: Australian filmmaker David Bradbury was detained at Chennai Airport when he arrived in India with his children, Nakeita (21) and Omar (14). The 73-year-old filmmaker, known for his documentaries, had planned a two-week trip to India following the death of his wife, Treena Lenthall, five months ago.
Upon arrival, David Bradbury was stopped by immigration authorities and held for 24 hours before being deported back to Thailand, where the family had traveled from. While his children were allowed to stay in India, David was forced to leave without any clear explanation for his detention.
During his detention, David Bradbury was kept in a small and unsanitary room. He reported being denied access to his medication and proper toilet facilities, stating he had to use a paper cup due to his requests being ignored.
David believes his detention may be linked to his previous work in India. In 2012, he filmed protests in Tamil Nadu against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, capturing the community’s fears about the potential dangers of the plant. He had faced difficulties during that trip, including harassment and detention while documenting the protests.
Despite the ordeal, David Bradbury encouraged his children to continue their travels in India. His daughter, Nakeita, expressed sadness and unfairness regarding their father’s treatment, especially since he had been issued a visa by Indian authorities.
Throughout the situation, the family remained in contact, and David expressed pride in how his children handled the incident, although he regretted not being able to travel with them.
