4 Customs officials suspended over passenger complaints at Ahmedabad airport

Ahmedabad: The Customs Department has suspended four officials, two superintendents and two inspectors, following allegations that they demanded cash and took away valuables from passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in the city. The action followed complaints related to an incident involving passengers arriving from Dubai on September 4.

It is learnt that the incident took place in the early hours of September 4, when Customs officials allegedly questioned two passengers about the valuables they were carrying. The officials reportedly demanded cash and took away some of the passengers’ belongings.

The officials allegedly did not activate their department-issued body-worn cameras during the interaction, and details of the search were reportedly not recorded as an official entry. The passengers also initially declined to file a formal complaint.

The matter, however, was subsequently brought to the attention of senior officials, following which the passengers were traced and their statements recorded.

As per reports, the departmental inquiry is primarily examining whether prescribed search and seizure procedures were bypassed, along with the allegations of harassment made by the passengers. DeshGujarat