Mumbai, Aug 8: Film and TV producer Ekta Kapoor, who was detained for questioning after being found with undeclared branded goods worth Rs one lakh at the Mumbai airport, has been released after coughing up Rs 53,000 in the form penalty, fine and customs duty, a senior customs official said today.
Customs Commissioner P M Govande said Kapoor was intercepted last night while she was walking through the green channel at the airport and on checking her baggage, she was found with personal goods worth around Rs one lakh, which were not declared.
“Kapoor was fined Rs 19,000 and penalised Rs 9000. Besides, she also paid Rs 25,000 customs duty for the goods,” Govande added.
She arrived from Bangkok at 10.45 pm yesterday on Thai airlines, carrying branded cloths,” said another official. Upon being intercepted, Kapoor had an argument with the customs officials, the official added.
She was later detained and her branded cloths were valued. Subsequently, she was made to cough up Rs 53,000, the official added.
The daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Jeetendra was allowed to go a little after mid-night, he added.
This is the fourth such incident where the celebrities were stopped at the airport with undeclared goods.
On June 27, actress Anushka Sharma was detained at the Mumbai airport for carrying undeclared jewellery worth Rs.35 lakh. She was on her way back to India after attending the IIFA awards at Toronto.
On June 7, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat's brother Vikram Lamba was detained for carrying excess foreign currency and dutiable items.
In May, actors Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba were detained in separate incidents. All were allowed to go after coughing up either penalty, fine or customs duty, said customs officials. PTI
