The Air Customs unit at the Chennai airport has introduced body cams for the officers conducting passenger checks to ensure transparency, accountability and respectful conduct during inspections. These cameras will record both audio and video, which would help address complaints or disputes arising during inspections.

To strengthen accountability, the Finance Ministry has directed Customs officers involved in passenger screening to wear specially designed body-worn cameras fixed near their shirt pockets. They will continuously record audio and video during inspections, with the footage stored digitally along with date and time stamps. In the event of complaints or disputes, senior officers will be able to review the recordings.

Eight body-worn cameras have been provided initially in Chennai, said officials, adding that 24 more cameras are expected to be supplied shortly. Officers deployed at both Green and Red Channels at the arrival terminal will wear the camera while questioning passengers and conducting inspections.

The cameras were first introduced at Bengaluru airport and has now been rolled out at Chennai, too. Officials said the initiative would next be expanded to airports in Hyderabad, Kochi, and Vijayawada. Within Tamil Nadu, plans are also in place to gradually extend the system to international airports in Tiruchy, Coimbatore and Madurai.

Though the Finance Ministry has issued clear instructions to Customs to conduct inspections in a dignified and professional manner, allegations have surfaced at some airports in the past, including claims of harassment and use of inappropriate language.

There were controversies at Chennai airport, too, including an incident two years ago in which a woman passenger alleged that she was asked to remove her thaali during a Customs check. Although a subsequent inquiry found the allegation to be untrue, officials said such incidents underscored the need for clear visual evidence during investigations.

Customs officials described the body-worn camera initiative as a positive step that protects both passengers and officers. An official said that even when officers perform their duties honestly, there are instances of false allegations, and the system would help prevent such situations.