Dubai IT manager alleges humiliating body search by Customs at Kannur airport, seeks CM intervention

Source: Kannur | The Hindu Bureau

A Dubai-based IT manager from Kasaragod has alleged that he was subjected to severe mental harassment and an inhuman, humiliating body search by Customs officials at Kannur International Airport. He has sought the intervention of the Chief Minister and demanded an impartial investigation.

Complaint Filed

Husainar Mahshad, a native of Eriyal in Kasaragod, has submitted complaints to:

• The Chief Minister
• The Customs Commissioner
• The National Human Rights Commission
• The State Human Rights Commission

He alleges that Customs officials subjected him to degrading treatment despite finding no contraband during the inspection.

Incident Details

Mr. Mahshad arrived at Kannur airport on an Indigo flight from Fujairah on the morning of July 19. Although Mangaluru airport—approximately 50 km from his hometown—was closer, he chose Kannur to support Kerala’s airport network and for a change in travel plans. This decision resulted in an additional airfare of 350 dirhams (₹9,000) and around ₹5,000 in taxi expenses.

According to his complaint:

• After collecting his baggage, a woman Customs officer examined his passport and questioned why he had chosen Kannur over the nearer Mangaluru airport. He explained his reasons.
• His luggage was thoroughly scanned, and no undeclared gold, prohibited articles, or other suspicious items were found.
• Despite this, Customs officers took him to a separate room for a personal search. He stated that he cooperated fully throughout the process.
• During the search, he was told to remove his clothes except his shirt, and officers examined even his private parts.
• His clothes were scanned separately, but nothing illegal was recovered from his body or belongings.

Allegations of Humiliation

Mr. Mahshad further alleged that after the search, when he came out of the room, several Customs officials and other airport staff were gathered outside laughing loudly, creating the impression that he was being ridiculed.

In his complaint, he said he had returned to Kerala hoping to spend time peacefully with his family after facing the stress of working abroad amid security concerns and conflict in the region. The airport experience left him mentally distressed.

While stating that he respected Customs checks, Mr. Mahshad said his grievance was with the manner in which the search was conducted and the alleged humiliating treatment, despite the officers finding nothing incriminating.

Customs Response

When contacted, T.N. Sunil, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, said the body search was conducted as part of routine Customs duty, and that the allegations by the complainant were not entirely correct.

He added that Kannur airport is a sensitive location, and that Customs routinely conducts random checks, profiling, and other screening measures as part of anti-smuggling operations.

“No one is singled out with any personal motive. These are standard procedures followed during duty,” he said, while refusing to comment on other allegations raised by the passenger.