MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — What was meant to be a brief transit through Jamaica ended instead in a courtroom appearance for Indian Nagaraju Krishnarajapalle, who faced the St James Parish Court on charges of overstaying his permitted time on the island. He appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

Court records show that Krishnarajapalle arrived at Norman Manley International Airport on March 12, en route to Zurich, with plans to remain in Jamaica only until March 15.

However, his onward journey was disrupted after he was reportedly unable to board his connecting flight due to intoxication and a lack of responsiveness.

Following the incident, he was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital, where he remained under medical supervision for a period of time.

On March 28, at approximately 10:30 am, Krishnarajapalle was taken to Sangster International Airport by a friend with whom he had been staying after the friend indicated he could no longer provide care for him. The accused stated that he was unable to purchase a return ticket as he had no funds in his possession. His wife in India was contacted and indicated that she was also unable to purchase a ticket at that time.

After considering the circumstances, the judge noted that the evidence suggested an intention to depart Jamaica, but that financial difficulties had hindered his ability to do so.

Krishnarajapalle initially entered a not guilty plea, which the judge had no dispute with in light of the circumstances. He was subsequently re-pleaded, and the matter proceeded to sentencing. He was fined $1,000 or one day in prison and ordered removed from Jamaica, with a directive to return to India.

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