A Dubai-based IT manager from Kasaragod has alleged that he was subjected to severe mental harassment and an inhuman and humiliating body search by Customs officials at the Kannur International Airport, prompting him to seek the intervention of the Chief Minister and demand an impartial investigation.
Husainar Mahshad, a native of Eriyal in Kasaragod, has submitted complaints to the Chief Minister, Customs Commissioner, and the National and State Human Rights Commissions, alleging that Customs officials subjected him to degrading treatment despite finding no contraband during the inspection.
In his complaint, Mr. Mahshad said that he arrived at the airport on an Indigo flight from Fujairah on the morning of July 19. Although the Mangaluru airport, around 50 km from his hometown, was a closer option, he chose Kannur to support Kerala’s airport network and for a change in travel plans, incurring an additional airfare of 350 dirhams (₹9,000) and around ₹5,000 in taxi expenses.
Mr. Mahshad said that after collecting his baggage, a woman Customs officer examined his passport and questioned why he had chosen Kannur instead of the nearer Mangaluru airport. He said he explained his reasons to the officer.
“Although my luggage was thoroughly scanned, and no undeclared gold, prohibited articles, or other suspicious items were found, Customs officers took me to a separate room for a personal search,” he said. He claimed that he cooperated fully with the officers throughout the process.
During the search, he alleged, he was told to remove his clothes except his shirt, and officers examined even his private parts. His clothes were scanned separately, but nothing illegal was recovered either from his body or his belongings, the complaint said.
Mr. Mahshad further alleged that after the search, when he came out of the room, several customs officials and other airport staff were gathered outside laughing loudly, creating the impression that he was being ridiculed.
In his complaint, he said he had returned to Kerala hoping to spend time peacefully with his family after facing the stress of working abroad amid security concerns and conflict in the region. But the airport experience left him mentally distressed, he added.
While stating that he respected Customs checks, Mr. Mahshad said his grievance was with the manner in which the search was conducted and the alleged humiliating treatment, despite the officers finding nothing incriminating.
When contacted, T.N. Sunil, Assistant Commissioner, Customs, said the body search was done as part of routine Customs duty, and that the allegations by the complainant were not entirely correct.
He added that the Kannur airport was a sensitive location, and that Customs routinely conducted random checks, profiling, and other screening measures as part of anti-smuggling operations. “ No one is singled out with any personal motive. These are standard procedures followed during duty, he said, while refusing to comment on other allegations raised by the passenger.
Published – July 21, 2026 11:18 pm IST
