Mumbai Airport Customs Officials Questioned by CBI Over Alleged Misuse of Body Scanner X-ray Machines

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted an interrogation of top Mumbai Airport customs officials on Tuesday regarding the alleged misuse of body scanner X-ray machines. The officials were questioned over accusations of extortion, pocketing contraband gold, and the failure of the customs commissioner to take action despite a vigilance report highlighting misconduct by certain officers. The Free Press Journal had previously exposed the violation of human rights at the Mumbai Airport, where customs officials were reportedly forcing passengers to undergo body scanning without consent or proper legal authorization.

The CBI specifically questioned Customs Vigilance Additional Commissioner Nancy Dsouza regarding the preliminary investigation report submitted against three customs officers. These officers were identified as Air Intelligence Unit C batch incharge Customs Superintendent Pankaj Pareva, and Superintendents Jitendra Yadav and Vinod. The investigation focused on allegations of extortion and misappropriation of gold discovered during the body scan of passenger Abdul Nivas. It was reported that the officers extorted Rs75,000 from Nivas and kept the gold bar for themselves, instead of seizing and depositing it in the government treasury as required by law. The CBI also raised concerns about the appointment of Pareva to the Air Intelligence Unit from the protocol office of Chief Customs Commissioner Prachi Swaroop. The agency collected body scanner X-ray data, records, and footage for further scrutiny.

Details of the Case

Airport Customs Commissioner Manish Mani Tiwari has not responded to calls and messages seeking comments on the matter. Tiwari has reportedly applied for a year-long leave following the exposure of extortion and corruption activities within the Mumbai Airport Customs department. The investigation revealed a racket operated by certain customs superintendents and assistant commissioners stationed in the Air Intelligence Unit. These officers targeted passengers clearing the Green Channel near the Arrival Hall, just outside the chief commissioner’s office.

The customs vigilance report confirmed that arriving passengers were coerced into undergoing body X-rays or face prolonged detention at the airport. “No cases were registered based on body scanning X-ray results. Any contraband gold detected during the scans was unlawfully seized by the customs officials on duty, with the passenger being released only after paying a substantial sum,” disclosed a senior customs official with knowledge of the situation.

Following the revelations, Prachi Swaroop convened a meeting with Tiwari and Dsouza to discuss the transfer of 13 customs superintendents and officers. However, some officials have raised concerns about this move being a mere attempt to cover up the failure to address corruption and extortion within the department. Despite CCTV evidence implicating the accused customs officers, the customs commissioner refrained from filing any cases against them.