Marathi actors detained at airport
The Customs authorities, on Tuesday, actor Swapnil Joshi and stand-up comedian Vijay Pawar at the Mumbai international airport, who were carrying a total of Rs 1.5 lakh in cash.
The Customs authorities, on Tuesday, actor Swapnil Joshi and stand-up comedian Vijay Pawar at the Mumbai international airport, who were carrying a total of Rs 1.5 lakh in cash.
The rules state that a passenger may carry only Rs7,500 Indian currency in cash, and $3,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, and $7,000 in travellers’ cheques. Joshi and Pawar were returning from Bangkok after performing at a comedy show. Another woman, who worked as an anchor was also stopped, with Rs40,000 cash.
The trio was booked under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Customs Act and Baggage Rules. They were allowed to go after collecting fine and penalty. Joshi and Pawar were asked to pay Rs 15,000 each as fine and penalty. The three were stopped when they were crossing the green channel.
On checking, officials found Rs 75,000 each in Joshi and Pawar's baggages. Customs sources said that the cash was payment made to the trio for performing in Bangkok.
Joshi and Pawar told HT that they were not aware of the rule on carrying currency. Joshi claimed that he had taken the cash from Mumbai only and was returning with the same. However, Pawar said that some amount was taken from here and some was payment made for the show in Bangkok. Joshi said that no case was made and they were allowed to go after paying a fine.