Flier swallows gold to escape arrest; taken to hospital

Though he escaped from the spot, he was caught by the CISF personnel at the exit point and handed over to officials. They admitted him in the GH and are in the process of recovering the gold in a natural way. 

It is said, Mustafa Mohammed Saleem (49), hailing from Salem arrived at Tiruchy from Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday in Air Asia flight number AK 29. All the passengers underwent a regular check-up by customs department. 

But one of the passengers tried to sneak his way to the airport toilet. But, the move was immediately noticed and customs officials attempted to take him into their custody, but he tried to escape. 

However, CISF officials caught him and produced him before the officials. 

During the interrogation, Saleem, disclosed that he had swallowed as many as six gold coins each weighing 50 grams. 

Subsequently, he was taken to the hospital after completing the legal proceedings to recover the coins worth Rs 8.7 lakh. Meanwhile, doctors who have been ‘treating’ Saleeem, said that he has been administered enema. But, till the evening, only one coin could be recovered. 

“As the coins are blunt, doctors said that it can be retrieved only through the rectum. Surgical method would be the last chance based on the condition of the person. They also said that it may take at least two days to ’recover’, all the coins.