Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel faced some uncomfortable moments at the O’Hare airport in Chicago when he was quizzed by the U.S. immigration authorities after his name and date of birth matched with that of another person reportedly on America’s watch-list.
Mr. Patel, who was in Chicago on a private visit, flew to Montreal for attending an official engagement.
Seeking to downplay the incident, Mr. Patel said “I am in Montreal and nothing serious has happened... there is a person with similar name and birth date. That’s why they just double checked.”
Mr. Patel was questioned by the immigration officials after his name matched with that of another Praful Patel, who is reportedly on U.S.’ watch list.
The Minister was asked why he was visiting the U.S. and whether he had stayed in the country earlier.