How refusal of all refreshments by an Air India passenger leads to his arrest with gold worth Rs 69 lakh?
An Air India passenger was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling gold valued at Rs 69 lakh. His arrest was prompted by his unusual behavior during flight AI 992 from Jeddah to Delhi, where he repeatedly refused all refreshments offered by the crew.
As per the reports, Air India passenger continuous refusals, from declining water to rejecting all food and drinks during the five-and-a-half-hour flight, raised suspicion among the crew members.
From initially declining water to later refusing all food and drinks, this behavior of his prompted concern among the flight crew. The captain was alerted, who in turn updated the security agencies via Air Traffic Control about the suspicious passenger.
Upon landing in Delhi, security personnel closely monitored the passenger who attempted to use the Green Customs Clearance Channel to escape. During interrogation, the man confessed to concealing gold paste in the form of four oval capsules in his rectum, worth over Rs 69 lakhs.
Joint Commissioner (Customs) Monika Yadav reported that approximately 1096.76 grams of gold were retrieved from the Air India passenger. Upon acknowledging his involvement in smuggling gold from Jeddah, he was taken into custody under relevant clauses of the Customs Act.
Further investigation is underway.
In response to this incident, cabin crew have been directed to remain vigilant regarding passengers who decline food and beverages on extended flights, as there are concerns about possible attempts to smuggle gold.
Collaborative efforts between airlines and security agencies are vital for uncovering and stopping such unauthorised activities.
- With inputs from agencies
