An air hostess was arrested for allegedly smuggling nearly one kilogram of gold. (Representational)
Kannur, Kerala:
An air hostess from Kolkata was recently arrested for attempting to smuggle nearly one kilogram of gold from Muscat to Kannur by concealing it in her rectum, according to a source from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Kannur.
Arrest and Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence provided by DRI Cochin, officers intercepted the air hostess, Surabhi Khatun, upon her arrival from Muscat at Kannur International Airport on May 28. A search revealed 960 grams of gold hidden in compound form in her rectum.
Legal Proceedings
Following interrogation and necessary procedures, Khatun was presented before the jurisdictional magistrate and subsequently remanded to 14 days in the women’s prison in Kannur. This incident marks the first known case in India where an airline crew member attempted gold smuggling through this method.
Investigation and Possible Connections
A thorough investigation has been initiated, indicating the likelihood of Khatun being involved in previous smuggling attempts. Authorities are also exploring potential ties to individuals based in Kerala who may be connected to this smuggling operation.
Response from the Airline
Despite reaching out for comment, the airline representative has not yet provided a response to this issue.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Additional Insight:
It is important to note that smuggling operations involving airline crew members are not uncommon, as individuals in such positions may have access to airports and security checkpoints that make it easier to bypass scrutiny. This case serves as a reminder of the lengths that some individuals are willing to go to in order to engage in illegal activities for financial gain. The ongoing investigation will likely uncover more details about the extent of this smuggling network and how it operates across different regions.
