A US-based Indian couple has raised concerns over an alleged irregularity at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, claiming that duty-free staff scanned the passports of their entire family, including their young children, even though only one member had made a purchase.
Pooja Tomarr Sikarwar shared an Instagram video recounting the incident at Terminal 3, alleging that after a family member bought a bottle of liquor from a duty-free outlet, staff proceeded to scan the passports of other family members as well.
What the Couple Alleged
In the video, Sikarwar described the incident as a possible “scam” at IGI Airport. She said that after arriving in Delhi from the United States, she purchased a bottle of liquor from the first duty-free shop after immigration at Terminal 3.
According to Sikarwar, staff scanned not only the passport of the person making the purchase but also those of her nine-month-old baby and toddler.
When her husband questioned the employees, they reportedly said the passports were being scanned to check for “offers”.
The explanation left the couple unconvinced. Sikarwar’s husband questioned why the passports of people who had not purchased anything needed to be scanned simply to check promotional offers.
Fears Over Passport Data
The couple also raised concerns about what happens to passengers’ personal information when their passports are scanned.
Sikarwar’s husband questioned whether scanning the passports of non-purchasing passengers could potentially be linked to the movement of goods under their names. He also asked whether the practice could result in passengers’ personal information being collected and stored without their knowledge or consent.
He stressed that such practices could create a negative impression among international visitors and potentially affect India’s reputation.
The couple did not provide evidence that any goods had actually been smuggled or that their personal information had been misused. Their concerns were presented as questions about the purpose and handling of passport scans.
Delhi Airport Responds
Delhi airport responded to Sikarwar’s Instagram post and asked her to provide additional details so that the matter could be investigated.
“Dear Pooja, We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. We request you to kindly share more details about your experience, including your contact number and passport details, through our ‘Contact Us’ page so that we can investigate the matter and assist you further,” the airport’s official Instagram handle said.
The response indicates that the airport authorities have taken note of the complaint and are seeking further information to examine what happened at the duty-free outlet.
