Four Customs officials posted with the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended following complaints linked to the questioning and search of two passengers arriving from Dubai.
The action comes after allegations that the officials took possession of a packet reportedly containing 600 grams of gold biscuits and allegedly demanded money from the passengers. However, authorities are still examining the circumstances, and the accounts given by the passengers and Customs officials reportedly differ.
Who Are the Four Customs Officials Suspended?
The four suspended officials are:
- Vinay Arora, Superintendent
- Kuldeep Paliwal, Superintendent
- Bharat Meena, Inspector
- Kaushal Kishore, Inspector
All four were posted with the Air Intelligence Unit at Ahmedabad Airport. The suspension reportedly followed an internal inquiry into the incident and alleged procedural violations.
What Happened at Ahmedabad Airport?
According to the report, the incident took place in the early hours of September 4, 2026.
Two residents of Surat district, aged approximately 30 to 35 years, arrived at Ahmedabad Airport on Emirates flight EK 538 from Dubai at around 3 AM. The passengers were questioned and searched by AIU officials for nearly three hours. They were reportedly allowed to leave the airport at around 6:30 AM. At approximately 7 AM, one of the passengers allegedly approached a senior Customs official and complained that the officials had taken a packet containing gold and demanded money.
Gold Packet Allegation Under Investigation
One of the key allegations in the case concerns a packet reportedly containing 600 grams of gold biscuits.
Following the complaint, an inspection reportedly found a pair of trousers in the investigation room. The officials also reportedly acknowledged that they had not used body-worn cameras while questioning the passengers.
The Customs Department is now examining available evidence, including CCTV footage and statements from the people involved, as part of the inquiry.
Importantly, the allegations regarding the gold and alleged demand for money have not been established as proven wrongdoing at this stage. Reports indicate that the passengers and AIU officials have provided conflicting versions of what happened.
Why Were the Customs Officials Suspended?
The suspension reportedly relates not only to the allegations made by the passengers but also to procedural violations during the interception and questioning.
The reported issues include:
- Failure to use mandatory body-worn cameras
- Failure to make entries in the investigation register
- Questions surrounding the handling of the alleged gold packet
- Conflicting accounts provided during the inquiry
The absence of required documentation and recording has become a significant part of the internal investigation.
Investigation Continues at Ahmedabad Airport
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the September 4 incident.
CCTV footage, statements and other available information are being reviewed to establish what happened during the passengers’ questioning and search.
The investigation is particularly important because the allegations involve both airport Customs procedures and the handling of suspected gold.
Until the inquiry is completed, the claims made by either side should be treated as allegations rather than established facts.
Why This Ahmedabad Airport Case Matters
Customs officers at international airports play an important role in detecting undeclared goods, including gold and other restricted or dutiable items.
At the same time, passenger searches and investigations are expected to follow established procedures and documentation requirements. The reported suspension highlights the importance of maintaining proper records and following prescribed protocols during airport interceptions.
The case also demonstrates why CCTV footage, investigation registers and body-worn cameras can be important in resolving disputes between passengers and enforcement officials.
Ahmedabad Airport Customs Case: Key Details
Location: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
Department: Customs, Air Intelligence Unit
Officials suspended: Four
Officials: Two Superintendents and two Inspectors
Incident date: September 4, 2026
Flight: Emirates EK 538
Origin: Dubai
Passengers: Two Surat district residents
Alleged gold involved: 600 grams
Main issues under inquiry: Gold packet allegation, alleged demand for money and procedural violations
Investigation: CCTV footage and statements being examined
Bottom Line
Four Customs officials at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended following complaints arising from the questioning of two passengers arriving from Dubai.
While the passengers allegedly claimed that a 600-gram gold packet was taken and money was demanded, the Customs Department is investigating the matter and the accounts of the passengers and officials reportedly differ. Procedural issues, including the reported absence of body-camera recordings and investigation-register entries, have also emerged during the inquiry.
The investigation will determine the facts of the incident and whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
Also read, Surat Gets New Full-Time Municipal Commissioner Rajkumar Beniwal
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