Mumbai Indians all-rounder Krunal Pandya was in seventh heaven guiding his side to the fifth IPL title in the UAE. However, his happiness didn’t last long as he was held by the DRI officials soon after landing in the Mumbai airport on the suspicion of carrying undisclosed gold jewellery and other such items.
While most of the cricketers joined the Team India bubble for the tour of Australia; many returned to the country including Krunal Pandya after successful completion of IPL 2020. He was accompanied by his wife Pankhuri Sharma, who had travelled with the cricketer to support him and the team.
Krunal Pandya questioned at Mumbai airport
Although they had a good time in the UAE with winning the title, things turned pale as soon as they landed in India. They were held at the airport and reports state they were questioned for over three hours.
“Cricketer Krunal Pandya stopped by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the Mumbai International Airport over suspicion of being in possession of undisclosed gold and other valuables, while returning from UAE,” DRI sources had said.
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It has now been learned that Krunal Pandya was, in fact, in possession of gold items and some high-end luxury watches, including those gifted to him by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) when he reached Mumbai from Dubai. He had returned home in a chartered Indigo flight after a successful campaign with MI.
“Pandya was detained and luxury watches were found. As the case is small by DRI standards and also as it is a non-recurring type, it is being handed over to Airport Customs by DRI, as per normal practice,” a senior DRI officer was quoted as saying by the national daily.
As per a report in IANS, Krunal Pandya brought a couple of expensive gold chains and other items but the total worth of his purchases went beyond the permissible limit as per the Indian laws. The case has now been referred to the customs department.
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However, the all-rounder has apologised for the same and has admitted that he was not aware of the permissible limit. He has also agreed to pay the penalties for bringing these items to India and promised not to repeat the error again.
