Hardik Pandya clear rumours on his two watches worth 5 Crores seized by Airport Customs

Hardik Pandya clear rumours on his two watches worth 5 Crores seized by Airport Customs.

A fresh row of storms has started against team India’s colourful all-rounder Hardik Pandya after a few of his belongings were captured by the Customs department in Airport after the entire Indian contingent travelling for T20 World Cup 2021 returned back following a misfired campaign.

The reports from news agency ANI claimed that Customs Department on Sunday has seized two luxurious wrist-watches worth INR 5 Crores at the Mumbai Airport. It added, Pandya allegedly wasn’t able to show the bill papers for the watches as a reason for the seizure.

Denying all the rumours around social media, Hardik Pandya himself has clarified that he voluntarily went to the Customs to declare the items purchased by him from Dubai.

“I voluntarily went to Mumbai airport customs counter to declare the items brought by me and pay the requisite customs duty. Wrong perceptions have been floating around on social media regarding my declaration to customs at Mumbai airport, and I would like to clarify about what transpired,” said Hardik Pandya in a social media statement.

He further added, he is giving complete cooperation for the legal procedure and is ready with all the papers that are required for a thorough investigation.

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“I had voluntarily declared all the items that I’d lawfully purchased from Dubai and was ready to pay whatever duties that needed to be paid. As a matter of fact, the customs department had asked for all purchase documents which were submitted; however customs is doing proper valuation for duty which I’ve already confirmed to pay,” he said.

The all-rounder then went on to clarify that all the news doing rounds all across the media of two watches that are of INR 5 crores worth are false. 

“The cost of the watch is approximately ₹ 1.5 crore and not ₹ 5 crore as per the rumours floating around on social media. I’m a law-abiding citizen of the country and I respect all government agencies. I’ve received all the cooperation from the Mumbai customs department and I’ve assured my full cooperation to them and will provide them with whatever legitimate documents they need to get this matter cleared. All allegations against me of crossing any legal boundaries are totally unfounded,” he added.

Hardik Pandya was with the entire team India who were returning India after completing their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. India could not manage to go past the Super12 stage and were knocked out by New Zealand before its final match against Namibia.

The all-rounder had a forgettable time in the recent World Cup. He was centred by the fans anger after he showed his inability to bowl in the first match against Pakistan due to his injury concerns. The Indian selectors have overlooked Hardik Pandya for the upcoming New Zealand T20I series and has been given an axe from the squad.

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