Dubai businessman Vasu Shroff harassed over Rolex at Jaipur Airport sparks NRI outrage

Dubai: Prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman and Chairman of the Regal Group, Vasu Shroff, 84, was harassed by customs officials at Jaipur International Airport upon his arrival on April 11th or 12th, according to multiple Indian media reports. The incident, involving a personal Rolex wristwatch, has triggered widespread concern and anger among the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community.

According to reports Shroff, a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, voluntarily declared his personal Rolex watch, presenting the original receipt and certificate to customs officials. He had intended to wear the watch during his visit for a family event and a temple inauguration and then return with it to Dubai. According to his lawyer, the Rolex watch in question was a high-end luxury timepiece valued at around Rs 3.5 million (approximately Dh150,000).

Detained for four hours

However, Shroff claims that customs officials accused him of attempting to smuggle the timepiece. He was allegedly detained in his wheelchair for over four hours and denied access to water, necessary medication, and basic restroom facilities. In statements carried by several news outlets, Shroff described the treatment as akin to that of a "criminal." He expressed deep distress and stated that the ordeal caused him to miss the intended family function.

The alleged high-handedness of the customs officials has been particularly criticized in the media in light of his stature and his compliance with declaration procedures.

Watch finally retrieved

Following the incident, Shroff was reportedly compelled to leave the watch with the customs department to seek urgent medical attention. His legal team in India intervened. NDTV reports that the watch was finally retrieved from customs on April 19th and subsequently returned to Shroff in Dubai.

Vasu Shroff said he will pursue legal action to ensure that other NRIs do not face similar humiliating experiences at Indian airports, according to reports. This incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of the NRIs, who often travel to India with personal belongings acquired abroad.