Kempegowda International Airport | Photo credit: File Photo
The International Airport Police on Tuesday arrested a 65-year-old Dutch national of Indian origin for allegedly sending a bizarre package containing rotten vegetables, garlands and obscene photographs to the Kempegowda International Airport’s administrative office earlier this year, police said.
The accused, identified as Subhash Hajij, a Dutch national who holds an Overseas Citizen of India card, is suspected of sending the package in January as part of a ritual to avert untoward incidents at the airport.
Airport authorities were left baffled after receiving a large carton containing rotten tomatoes, decomposing flower garlands, pieces of iron, toothpaste coating and nude photographs of men and women. After several weeks of considering the content, officials filed a complaint with airport police on March 4.
Based on CCTV footage, the police tracked down Hadji and took him into custody for questioning.
“He claims that he had no ill intention and sent the package to ensure that no tragic incidents take place at the airport. He also claims that he has sent similar packages to other airports. We are verifying his claim,” said a senior investigator.
Police said Hajji, who has Indian roots, was born in the South American country and is fluent in several languages, including Dutch, German, Spanish, English and Hindi.
He reportedly worked in Europe for several years before retiring. He travels cross-country and uses his pension to visit India often, even though he has no known relatives there.
In Bengaluru, he was found sleeping near a temple in Madiwala. Police said he also traveled extensively in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
During the interrogation, the police suspected that Hajij might be mentally unstable.
“He is currently in judicial custody. We have approached the court to get him medically examined to ascertain his mental state. There is no indication so far that he intends to cause mischief,” the officer added.
The police have booked him under the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhumane Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017. Further investigation is on.
Published – 31 March 2026 22:41 IST
