An air hostess was arrested after 1kg of gold was found hidden in her rectum, with more crew members under investigation.
A flight attendant in India was arrested after officials discovered she was hiding nearly one kilogram of gold in her rectum.
The incident has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about gold smuggling in the country.
Air hostess detained for hiding 1kg of gold in her rectum to smuggle
Surabhi Khatun, a 26-year-old air hostess for Air India Express, was apprehended at Kannur International Airport.
She had just arrived on a flight from Muscat, Oman when customs officials noticed her suspicious behavior.
As she moved through the airport, authorities became concerned and decided to question her.
Initially, Khatun refused to undergo an X-ray examination.
This refusal led officials to seek permission from a magistrate for a medical examination.
It was during this medical check that the gold, weighing 960 grams, was found.
The value of the gold is estimated to be around $89,000.
Following her arrest, Khatun was sentenced to 14 days in a women’s prison in Kannur.
The context of gold smuggling
India has long been one of the largest consumers of gold in the world.
However, a significant increase in gold import duties by the Indian government in 2012 made it more expensive for people to buy gold legally.
The import duty rose to 15%, which encouraged many to seek alternative ways to acquire gold, including smuggling.
To avoid these high tariffs, individuals known as “gold mules” began transporting gold illegally, often in creative and dangerous ways.
Smugglers can earn substantial amounts of money for their risky work.
Initially, they were paid around 54,000 rupees per kilogram (approximately $623).
However, as demand grew and the risks increased, the payment for smuggling gold rose dramatically.
By last year, gold mules were reportedly earning around 1.3 million rupees, or about $15,000, for their efforts.
Gold smuggling occurs due to high demand.
The high demand for gold in India is driven by cultural practices, investment opportunities, and the jewel industry.
Gold is often seen as a symbol of wealth and is used in various ceremonies, including weddings.
This cultural significance adds to the reasons why people are willing to smuggle gold, despite the risks involved.
The smuggling of gold not only affects the economy but also raises concerns about safety and legality.
The methods used to transport gold can be extremely dangerous, as Khatun’s case illustrates.
Hiding gold internally poses serious health risks and can lead to severe legal consequences if caught.
Social media reactions
The news of Khatun’s arrest has generated a lot of reactions on social media.
Many are shocked at the lengths people will go to for gold.
Some have even humorously suggested that anyone considering such actions should train beforehand to avoid the dangers involved.
I’m so impressed I feel like she deserves to keep it, one user said.
How the heck she keep it in there, the second user wrote.
She held in her fart because silence is golden, the third user joked.
She could’ve been ”Filthy Stinkin Rich” on mounds of gold if it weren’t for those meddling pokers. The Queen Pin, another user commented.