Bhagwant Mann Stopped at Delhi Airport for Three Hours, Fined ₹50,000 After Customs Inspection

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was reportedly stopped for around three hours at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Monday night and fined ₹50,000 by customs officials after returning from Paris, according to a report published by The Indian Express on October 22, 2026.

Mann was travelling with his wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, on an Air France flight. According to the report, the couple landed at approximately 11 pm and proceeded to the VIP lounge while waiting for their baggage.

After a delay of around two hours, officials reportedly informed them that their luggage had been detained by customs authorities. Mann was subsequently escorted to the customs enclosure, where officials opened and inspected his baggage in his presence.

The report states that Mann had opted for the green channel, intended for passengers who have no goods to declare, despite allegedly carrying items that required clearance through the red channel.

The reported incident has drawn attention to customs procedures and declaration requirements for international travellers, including public officials returning from overseas visits.

Under airport customs procedures, passengers carrying goods that require declaration must follow the applicable rules and use the appropriate channel. The green channel is intended for passengers without dutiable or prohibited goods requiring declaration, while the red channel is for passengers who need to declare such items.

The incident could attract political attention because Mann is the head of the Punjab government. However, the circumstances surrounding the inspection and the nature of the items involved should be assessed on the basis of official information and verified reporting.

The Indian Express report states that a fine of ₹50,000 was imposed. Further details about the specific items involved and any official response from Mann or the Punjab government should be included only after independent confirmation.

Source: The Indian Express, October 22, 2026.