Mumbai, November 14
The Customs Department has called actor Aishwarya Rai for questioning in connection with a packet in her name that contained undeclared 23,000 Euros (Rs 13 lakh), received by the foreign post office here.
“We have called Ms Rai to our office for questioning but no case has been registered so far,” said Mr A.K. Prasad, Customs Commissioner (Imports).
He said the packet from a gentleman in the Netherlands and addressed to Aishwarya Rai had a declaration attached to it that it contained electronic items, which was found true.
But it also contained a white packet containing some foreign currency
which was not declared, he added.
“There is some mis-declaration. So, we are trying to establish whether she (Rai) is aware of it or she is part of it or it's done without her knowledge,” he said.
The packet landed at the post office a month ago. Mr Prasad did not divulge the identity of the sender.
Under the Customs Act and FEMA, receiving an amount above Rs 5,000 by post is an offence, which can attract a maximum punishment of three years and fine, Mr Prasad said. He said no show-cause notice had been issued to Rai.
Meanwhile, there has been no communication from the actress in this regard, the Customs official said.— PTI
