Washington: A US district court has awarded $ 50,000 as compensation to an Indian-American doctor who was detained for four hours in Philadelphia, the 'Daily Times' reported on August 2.

The court further ordered the transport officer who had detained Dr Bob Rajcoomar "because he didn't like his physical looks", to submit a written apology.

Rajcoomar, a retired lieutenant colonel of the Army Reserves, moved the civil court alleging that he had been detained for several hours because of his dark skin. He claimed that he had overheard a federal agent saying, "We didn't like the way you looked."

While delivering the judgement, US district judge John P Fullam said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had agreed to change procedures and would comply with the terms of a settlement agreement that calls for the agency to change its "policies and training procedures regarding the allegations in the complaint".

Apart from the compensation, TSA administrator James Loy has issued a written apology to Rajcoomar and his wife.

ANI