The story behind ‘Rs 5 crore watches seized’ from Hardik Pandya on his return from Dubai; cricketer rubbishes allegations

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, November 16

Cricketer Hardik Pandya has refuted a report claiming that two of his wrist watches worth Rs 5 crore were seized from him at the Mumbai airport by the Customs Department on Sunday night when he returned from Dubai as he did not have a bill for them.

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— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 16, 2021

Denying the allegations, the cricketer on Tuesday posted a clarification on Twitter saying, “Early on Monday morning, 15th November, on my arrival from Dubai, after picking up my luggage, I voluntarily went to Mumbai airport customs counter to declare the items brought by me and pay the requisite customs duty. Wrong perceptions have been floating around on social media regarding my declaration to customs at Mumbai airport, and I would like to clarify about what transpired.

I had voluntarily declared all the items that I’d lawfully purchased from Dubai and was ready to pay whatever duties that needed to be paid. As a matter of fact, the customs department had asked for all purchase documents which were submitted; however customs is doing proper valuation for duty which I’ve already confirmed to pay.

The cost of the watch is approximately Rs. 1.5 crore and not Rs 5 crore as per the rumours floating around on social media.

I’m a law-abiding citizen of the country and I respect all government agencies. I’ve received all the cooperation from the Mumbai customs department and I’ve assured my full cooperation to them and will provide them with whatever legitimate documents they need to get this matter cleared. All allegations against me of crossing any legal boundaries are totally unfounded.”