FM did not ask Mumbai Customs to Release Goa Minister

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has denied that that any calls were received by the Custom Officials at Mumbai Airport from the office of any Minister. The decision was taken entirely as per Customs Rules and Regulations. The investigations are still in progress and other investigative agencies have been addressed with details.

Earlier, it has been reported by a certain section of the media that Shri Atanasio Monserrate, Education Minister of Goa, detained by the Mumbai Airport Customs on April 1, 2011, for allegedly carrying undeclared currency, was let off after a call received from the Union Finance Minister’s office.

[Source: PIB Press Release dated 7 April 2011]