Drunk flyer blames airline for free drinks

Mumbai: Nashik resident Madan Lal Sharma and his wife Veena had landed at 3 am on a Dubai-Emirates flight ET 500, and lost their temper when Customs officials, who grew suspicious of Madan's behaviour, had asked them to screen their baggage. The couple allegedly used abusive language and threatened the officials of 'dire consequences' using high profile references of the PM, CM and social activist Anna Hazare.

"We booked him under different sections of IPC including 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), Section 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). We have also booked him under the Mumbai prohibition act. We produced him at the Andheri Magistrate court, and he was released on bail in the afternoon," said J N Giram, senior police inspector of Sahar police station.

The incident
As both of them were wearing a lot of gold ornaments, and also had plenty of bags, they were asked to queue up for the screening. "When he entered the green channel he was shaking. We suspected his movement, and stopped him for a detailed screening. During the examination we found bills of purchase of high-end jewellery items, and when Sharma was questioned about the same he got agitated and started shouting," said a Customs official, on condition of anonymity.

"He threatened the officials on duty by using names of politicians and social activist Anna Hazare. His wife too abused the officers on duty. They did not allow anyone to touch their baggage. This went on for more than half an hour. Then we handed them over to the CISF," said the Customs official.

"When we asked Sharma why he is so drunk, he said, 'You should question the airlines who offer unlimited drinks on board. I have just consumed it,'" said an on-duty CISF personnel. The couple was later handed to Sahar police station that booked them under the serious offences. Customs officials are also likely to summon Sharma for a detailed interrogation, about the jewellery purchase.