Mumbai: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya in a statement today clarified that :

‘Early on Monday morning 15th of November, on arrival from Dubai, after picking up my luggage, I voluntarily went to the Mumbai airport customs counter to declare the items brought by me and pay the requisite customs duty. Wrong perceptions have been floating around on social media regarding my declaration to customs at Mumbai airport, and I would like to clarify on what transpired.’

‘I voluntary declared all the items that I had lawfully purchased from Dubai and was ready to pay whatever duties that needed to be paid. As a matter of facts, customs department has asked for all purchase documents which is being submitted; however customs is doing proper valuation for duty which I have already confirmed to pay.’

‘The cost of this watch was approximately Rs. 1.5 crore and not Rs 5 crore as per the rumours floating around on social media.’

‘I am a law-abiding citizen of India and I respect all government agencies. I have received all cooperation from the Mumbai customs department and I have assured my full cooperation to them and will provide them with whatever legitimate documents they need to get this matter cleared. All allegations against me of crossing any legal boundaries are totally unfounded.’