Air India's senior captain held for smuggling gold bars worth Rs 15 lakh

Air India's senior Captain Vijay Pratap operating flight AI 932 from Jeddah to Mumbai was caught by Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs on Wednesday

Air India's senior Captain Vijay Pratap operating flight AI 932 from Jeddah to Mumbai was caught by Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs on Wednesday.

Representational picture

The intelligence unit officials seized seven gold bars totally weighing 530 gram. These gold bars are valued at Rs. 15,65,567. An AIU official said, "In the light of recent instance of smuggling by crew member of the airlines, high level of surveillance has been kept by airport customs staff on passengers and crew. This proactive approach by customs has resulted in seizure."

The official added that the commander was attempting surreptitious removal of gold bars by concealing them in hand baggage which was recovered. It was seized under the Provisions of Custom Act, 1962.

Mumbai Airport senior Custom Officials confirmed that the national carriers commander admitted possession, carriage, concealment and recovery of the said gold bard which were being smuggled into India without payment of proper customs duty.

Contravention of the provisions of the customs act, 1962. Further investigations are in progress, the officials added.

It should be noted that a Jet Airways cabin crew and Mumbai airport's duty terminal manager too were caught by customs and they were proved to be guilty.

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