Dubai-based IT executive says customs search at Kannur airport humiliating, seeks CM’s intervention

A Dubai IT manager from Kasaragod alleged that he was subjected to severe mental harassment and inhumane and degrading body search by customs officials at the Kannur International Airport, prompting him to seek the Chief Minister’s intervention and demand an impartial probe.

Husainar Mahshad, a native of Eriyal in Kasaragod, filed complaints with the Chief Minister, the Commissioner of Customs and the National and State Human Rights Commission that he was subjected to humiliating treatment by customs officials despite finding no contraband during the inspection.

In his complaint, Mr Mahshad said he arrived at the airport on an Indigo flight from Fujairah on the morning of 19 July. Although Mangaluru Airport, about 50 km from his hometown, was a closer option, he chose Kannur to support Kerala’s airport network and for a change in travel plans, claimed an additional ticket of ₹350.05,000.00 ₂) 0.00 dirhams in taxi charges.

Mr Mahshad said that after collecting his luggage, a female customs officer checked his passport and asked why he had chosen Kannur instead of the closer Mangaluru airport. He is said to have explained his reasons to the police officer.

“Although my luggage was thoroughly scanned and no undeclared gold, prohibited items or other suspicious items were found, customs officers took me to a separate room for a personal search,” he said. He claimed that he fully cooperated with the police throughout the process.

During the search, he claimed, he was told to strip except for his shirt, and officers even searched his private parts. His clothes were scanned separately, but nothing illegal was found on his body or his belongings, the complaint said.

Mr. Mahshad further claimed that after the search, when he came out of the room, several customs officers and other airport staff had gathered outside and were laughing loudly, giving the impression that he was being mocked.

In his complaint, he said he 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. But the experience at the airport had left him mentally exhausted, he added.

While Mr. Mahshad said he respected customs checks, he said he complained about the way the search was conducted and the alleged humiliating treatment, despite officers finding nothing incriminating.

When contacted, TN Sunil, Deputy Commissioner, Customs, said that the search of the body was done as part of normal customs duty and that the allegations of the complainant were not entirely correct.

He added that the Kannur airport is a sensitive location and customs routinely conduct random checks, profiling and other screening measures as part of anti-smuggling operations. “No one is being flagged with any personal motive. These are standard procedures followed during the service,” he said, declining to comment on other allegations made by passengers.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 23:18 IST