Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Three persons were caught at Mangaluru International Airport here on Sunday December 15 for impersonating customs officials and trying to extort money from a passenger.

The accused have been identified as Riyaz, Mohammed Saheb Karabo and Khazi Aftab.

A passenger identified as Mohammed Shamas arrived from Muscat to Mangaluru on Sunday evening. After completion of immigration and customs process, he proceeded towards the taxi pick-up point at around 7.45 pm. While he was waiting for a taxi, the three accused approached him and introduced themselves as customs officials and snatched away his passport.

Further, they asked the passenger to proceed with them for further checking and enquiry. Growing suspicious, Shamas ran towards the CISF QRT personnel stationed at the alighting point for assistance. The QRT personnel rushed to the spot and caught the three persons who were posing as customs officials.

On enquiry, the three accused claimed that Shamas was a gold smuggler. Considering the gravity of the matter, information was passed on to customs officials and the local police.

On joint interrogation, it was revealed that this was a case of planned extortion by impersonating as customs officials. Based on the complaint filed by Shamas, all the imposters along with Shamas were handed over to the local police for further enquiry.