Why Krunal Pandya was detained at Mumbai airport

The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday stopped Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya at the Mumbai Airport on suspicion of allegedly carrying excess undisclosed amount of valuables, including gold, official sources said here.

The Baroda cricketer, elder brother of star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, was intercepted at the international airport where he landed from a UAE flight around 5 pm. Krunal was part of Mumbai Indians which won the recently concluded Indian Premier League held in the UAE.

According to the sources, he had reportedly made purchases of valuables, including gold chains, totalling to a huge amount, which was considered much above the permissible limits as per Indian laws. After this was brought to his notice, Pandya admitted that he was unaware of the rules, apologised and even agreed to pay the penalties on the same.

He further assured that he would not repeat the error after which the DRI allowed him to leave.

WHAT ARE THE RULES

A passenger caught with products worth up to Rs 20 lakh without paying duty is charged. If the value of commodities ranged between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore he or she is made to pay the fine and even arrested, though he is qualified for spot bail against a deposit.

If the value of goods confiscated is above Rs 1 crore, the passenger is arrested and produced before a magistrate to pursue judicial custody.

(With inputs from IANS)