US justifies use of trackers on Indian students duped by TVU

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) The US on Monday sought to
justify the use of ankle monitors on the students, duped by
now closed Tri-Valley University, saying it was widespread
across America as a standard procedure for a variety of
investigations and does not necessarily imply guilt or
suspicion of criminal activity.
The US response followed a sharp reaction by Indian
government which termed the use of trackers as "unacceptable"
and demanded their removal.
After being duped by a California-based "sham"
university, scores of Indian students in the US were forced to
wear radio collars around their ankles so that authorities can
keep track of their movements.
"US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have
established a helpline for the Indian students affected by the
closure of Tri-Valley University in California, under which
any affected student may call to seek help. Some of those
involved in the Tri-Valley investigation have been issued
ankle monitors.
"Use of ankle monitors is widespread across the United
States and standard procedure for a variety of investigations,
and does not necessarily imply guilt or suspicion of criminal
activity. An ankle monitor sends a radio frequency signal
containing location and other information to a receiver. It
allows for freedom of movement and is a positive alternative
to confinement during a pending investigation," the US Embassy
here said in a statement.
It said the the US government welcomes all legitimate
students wishing to study there and strongly encourages
prospective students to protect themselves from predatory visa
fraud rings and fraudulent document vendors.