US-based couple flags ‘scam’ at Delhi airport, authorities respond

Image Credit: Instagram

NEW DELHI: A US-based Indian couple has alleged that staff at a duty-free shop at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport scanned the passports of their entire family, including their two young children.Pooja Tomarr Sikarwar shared a video on Instagram alleging that the incident took place at Terminal 3 after the family arrived in Delhi from the United States.She said one member of the family bought a bottle of liquor from the first duty-free shop after immigration. Staff then scanned the passports of the other family members, including those of Sikarwar's nine-month-old baby and toddler.

Ideally, only the passport of the person making the purchase should be scanned, she said.When Sikarwar's husband questioned the staff about why the other passports were being scanned, employees reportedly said they were checking for offers.The couple then raised concerns over how passport details were being collected and whether the practice could be linked to smuggling or unauthorised use of passengers' personal information.He said the incident happened at the first duty-free shop passengers encounter after clearing immigration at IGI Airport.

The airport authorities have responded to Sikarwar's allegations on Instagram and said they would investigate the matter."Dear Pooja, We have taken serious note of this allegation. Any unauthorised or inappropriate handling or scanning of passengers' passports and personal information is a matter of serious concern and we would like to assure you that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. If the allegations are found to be true, exemplary action will be taken against the persons responsible," the airport official said replying to the couple's post.The official asked Sikarwar to share her contact number and details of her travel and visit to the duty-free outlet to help establish the facts."To enable us to properly establish the facts and investigate the alleged incident, we request you to please share your contact number and details of your travel/visit to the duty-free outlet with us. We will get in touch with you to understand the incident in detail and take the matter forward," the official added.