JAIPUR: The controversy surrounding the alleged mistreatment of 84-year-old NRI industrialist Vasu Shroff at Jaipur airport has sparked strong condemnation from two Congress leaders after The Brew News broke the news yesterday.
Nikhil Ruparel, National Delegate of NSUI, and Preeti Choksi, Mumbai General Secretary of Mahila Congress, have jointly demanded strict action against customs officials for their “inhumane behaviour” towards the Dubai-based businessman.
The incident involved Shroff, Chairman of Regal Group, who had flown into India with a gold watch weighing 188 grams and valued at ₹35.17 lakh
(approx. AED 155,000). Despite providing purchase receipts, the watch was confiscated by customs officials. According to reports, Shroff, who uses a wheelchair, was left unattended for four hours—without proper food, water, or even his regular medication.
Ruparel and Choksi said the situation was not only deeply disrespectful but also indicative of a larger problem—how NRIs are often mistreated at entry points in their own country. They highlighted how NRI industrialists like Shroff have significantly contributed to India’s economy and global standing, and demanded the immediate dismissal of the officials involved.
They stressed that this wasn’t just about one man or one watch—but about the dignity and treatment of those who continue to support India’s development from abroad. “Such behaviour sends the wrong message to global Indians who want to invest in their homeland,” the duo said in a joint statement.
The leaders have vowed to pursue this matter further to ensure accountability. Their stand reflects growing concerns over how NRIs are treated by Indian authorities, and they’re calling for systems that ensure dignity, transparency, and respect.
