NRI Passenger Booked at Kochi Airport Following Dispute Over iPhone Customs Duty
KOCHI: A routine arrival from Dubai at the Cochin International Airport took an ugly turn early Saturday morning, resulting in a police case against a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) passenger. The traveler, identified as Ajas, was booked by the Nedumbassery Police after a heated confrontation with Customs officials over the payment of import duty on a new iPhone.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 am when Ajas landed in Kerala. According to reports, Customs authorities attempted to levy a duty charge between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 on an unboxed iPhone the passenger was carrying. Ajas vehemently contested the demand, arguing that the device was intended for personal use and should therefore be exempt from such charges under existing baggage regulations.
Escalating Tensions at the Arrival Terminal
As the debate intensified, Customs officers maintained that the gadget exceeded the permissible allowance limits for duty-free entry. They alleged that the passenger’s refusal to comply hindered their official duties. With the situation escalating at the arrival terminal, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intervened to maintain order and subsequently escorted Ajas out of the clearance area.
He was later handed over to the Nedumbassery Police, who registered an FIR against him under sections of the Kerala Police Act. Authorities stated the case was filed based on a formal complaint lodged by Customs officials, citing the obstruction of public servants while performing their official duties.
Claims of Harassment vs. Official Intelligence
Ajas, who filmed portions of the confrontation, has accused the Customs department of systematic harassment. He claimed that several other passengers on his flight were subjected to similar “arbitrary tax demands” for single units of newly launched iPhones.
“Customs rules clearly outline that electronic items brought for personal use do not attract import duty,” Ajas remarked. “Most professionals carry two phones today—one for personal use and another for work. Expecting us to pay a hefty duty on a single personal device is nothing short of extortion.” Rather than pay the contested amount, Ajas opted to leave the phone in the custody of the Customs department, signaling his intent to pursue the matter through legal channels.
Social Media Sparks a Debate
The video footage recorded by the passenger has since gone viral, igniting a wave of criticism against airport authorities. The incident has resonated with many frequent travelers and fellow NRIs, who have taken to social media to share their own frustrating experiences with baggage clearance. Many are calling for the Customs department to provide greater transparency and clear, standardized guidelines regarding the import of high-end electronic devices for personal use.
While the Customs department has remained largely silent on the specific criteria used during this morning’s inspection, sources within the department indicated that there has been an intelligence-led crackdown recently. Officials suspect that some travelers have been acting as conduits for the illegal mass importation of high-end smartphones intended for sale in local retail markets, leading to more stringent checks at arrival points.
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