HYDERABAD: Air India barred 19 students from boarding its flight to the United States of America on the grounds that the two universities in which they had secured admission were under “scrutiny” of American authorities.

The national carrier asked its staff to not allow the 19 students to board its flight to San Francisco at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday night, as the two San Francisco-based varsities, where they have enrolled are currently under US government scanner, an Air India official said.

Air India is refunding the cost of the ticket to these students, the official added. The carrier said they had received a communication from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency on December 19 that the two universities were under scrutiny and students who arrived in San Francisco would not be allowed to enter the U.S.

“So far, 14 students who travelled on Air India flights to San Francisco have been deported,” Air India said.

Meanwhile, one of the universities in question said on its website that "absolutely false" reports are being disseminated by certain media outlets and other groups that the institute has been blacklisted.

When contacted, an immigration official said clearance for boarding a flight has to be given by the airline concerned.

"The students were not issued boarding passes. It is the airline's responsibility to clear passengers. We have nothing to do with the issue," he said.

U.S. Consulate officials said they are trying to gather information on the episode.

"We are indeed aware of the reports that some students were denied entry on the flights to the U.S. At this time, we don't have any further information to share with you on this particular issue, but we are seeking clarity on the situation.

"As soon as we have new information, we will get back to you immediately," an email reply from the U.S. Consulate said.

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