New Delhi: Following the widespread success of a video of a Kashmiri journalist checking her bag at the airport here, Delhi customs said on Monday that bag screening for foreign travelers is a regular procedure and that “privileges are not above law.”
The reaction followed journalist Yana Mir’s posting of a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing customs officers inspecting her suitcase when she arrived at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport. “International passengers’ bags are routinely scanned,” the statement reads. Ms. Yana Mir felt unnecessarily upset when other passengers entered the scanner with their bags without any issues.
Staff remained courteous throughout. Privileges are not above law. Footage tells the story,” Delhi Customs (Airport and General) said on X, in reply to Mir’s post.
The department also shared video footage in its reply supporting its claim.
“Ms Yana Mir didn’t cooperate at all when requested to get her bags scanned. Her luggage was ultimately picked up by airline staff and Customs officer for scanning as seen in the footage,” it said in another reply.
Mir had posted the viral footage of the bag inspection earlier in the day along with a post of her own.
“Lady, please scan and unzip your luggage. Why are you carrying Louis Vuitton shopping bags? That’s how I was greeted upon my return to India. Have you paid for them? “Where’re the bills?”I am perceived by Londoners as an Indian media warrior. Her post said, “What Delhi customs thinks of me: Brand Smuggler.”
