Customs official shifted out of airport after US,NRI complains





Ahmedabad, December 8, 2004
Express News Service

A customs Inspector at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, who was accused of harassing an elderly passenger about a month back, was on Wednesday shifted out to the Excise Commissionerate.

An inquiry by senior customs officials found that the woman inspector Damini Lakhia did not follow the right procedure and detained an NRI for over an hour at the airport’s customs clearance area.

US-based Suresh Patel (70) had complained of being wrongfully detained by Lakhia on his arrival at the airport.

“On the basis of the identification by a passenger, the errant customs officer was identified. The officer concerned has been shifted out of the airport and reverted to the Excise Commissionerate,” said a Customs Department communique.