Bengaluru: Four passengers arriving from Dubai were arrested by customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Saturday for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold biscuits concealed around their feet and hidden beneath their footwear.The group, comprising three women and a man from Chennai, allegedly concealed 28 gold bars by wrapping them in black tape and attaching them to the soles of their feet. They were intercepted by customs officials as they were leaving Terminal 2.Officials also seized 13 refurbished mobile phones and eight refurbished laptops. The 28 gold bars weighed 1.6 kg, and the total value of the seized goods was estimated at Rs 2.6 crore.All four passengers were residents of Vyasarpadi in north Chennai. They had allegedly taped the gold bars to the soles of their feet before covering them with footwear. Customs officials identified them based on profiling and intelligence inputs.The accused were identified as Ramzan Begum Sirajudeen, Nasrin Banu Sirajudeen, Hyrun Fathima Sirajudeen and Asharudeen Chelladurai. All four were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. Officials said Nasrin and Hyrun were siblings and were related to Ramzan and Asharudeen.“The group was not at all cooperative; they did not reveal much detail. Each was carrying around 450 to 500 grams. The gold was stuck to the soles of their feet, and some bars were also found on the trolleys,” a senior customs official told TOI.The official added that two other men had travelled with the group but were not booked, as no gold was found in their luggage.Further investigation is under way, customs officials said.
