A 26-year-old Air India Express cabin crew member, Surabhi Khatun from Kolkata, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kannur Airport on May 28 for allegedly smuggling gold. Officials seized nearly one kilogram of gold, concealed inside her rectum, as she arrived on flight IX 714 from Muscat.
The DRI received a tip-off about the smuggling operation involving the cabin crew, leading to Khatun’s interception upon landing. She was found with 960 grams of gold in a compound form. Reports suggest that Surabhi may have participated in multiple smuggling incidents and has named individuals who allegedly recruited her for these activities.
This incident follows a similar case in March 2023, where another Air India Express cabin crew member, Shafi Sharaf, was arrested for smuggling over 1.4 kilograms of gold at Cochin International Airport, hidden in plastic bands under his sleeves. The investigation into Surabhi Khatun’s case is ongoing, as authorities seek to uncover any additional connections.