David Bradbury Filmmaker: Australian Documentary Maker Denied Entry to India Over 2012 Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Film
Detention and Deportation at Chennai Airport
Renowned Australian documentary filmmaker David Bradbury, a two-time Oscar nominee, was detained and subsequently deported from India upon his arrival at Chennai Airport on September 10, 2024. This incident occurred despite Bradbury and his children holding valid visas issued by the Indian consulate in Canberra.
Bradbury, 73, was traveling with his children, Nakeita (21) and Omar (14), for a two-week trip to India. The family's visit was planned as a tribute to Bradbury's late wife, Treena Lenthall, who passed away five months ago. They intended to visit Varanasi to show their younger son how Hindus deal with death and bid farewell to their loved ones in the next life.
Connection to the 2012 Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Protests
The detention and deportation are believed to be linked to Bradbury's documentary film made in 2012, which documented the protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. During his 2012 visit, Bradbury faced harassment and detention while attempting to film the protests in the coastal village of Idinthakarai. He had criticized the Indian government's decision to build the nuclear plant, calling it "irresponsible towards their own people but also to the world".
Conditions During Detention
Bradbury described the harsh conditions he endured during his 24-hour detention. He was held in a "pretty disgusting room with papers and rubbish on the floor under a bed with a filthy mattress and no sheets." Despite his health issues, including an enlarged prostate, he was denied access to his medication and toilet facilities. He was forced to relieve himself in a paper cup after his requests for a toilet were ignored.
Interrogation and Denial of Rights
During his detention, Bradbury was interrogated by immigration officials who asked about the purpose of his current and previous visits to India, his contacts in the country, and whom he had communicated with before arriving. He was also pressured to unlock his phone and reveal his Indian contacts, which he refused. Despite multiple requests, he was denied contact with the Australian embassy in Delhi.
Children Allowed to Stay
While Bradbury was deported back to Thailand, his children were permitted to continue their journey in India. Nakeita Bradbury expressed her sadness and frustration, stating, "The Indian authorities had issued my father a visa after all… There was no reason to trouble him and us this way".
Background on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, has been a site of significant protests since its inception. The plant, which became operational in 2013, has faced opposition from local fishing communities due to fears of potential nuclear disasters, especially following the 2011 Fukushima incident in Japan. Bradbury's documentary highlighted the concerns and struggles of the local population, which may have contributed to the Indian authorities' decision to deny him entry.
Aftermath and Family's Journey
Despite the ordeal, Bradbury insisted that his children continue with their planned itinerary in India. The family remained in contact throughout, and Bradbury expressed pride in how his children handled the situation. After completing their trip in India, Nakeita and Omar are set to meet their father in Milan for the next leg of their journey.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Indian government and critics of its nuclear policies, as well as the challenges faced by foreign journalists and filmmakers who document sensitive issues in the country.