Foreign duo detained with idol in Madurai

When the officials were checking passengers they stopped the foreign duo and checked their baggage. The officials found a Ganesh idol and started interrogating them. During interrogation, the couple, identified as Fernand from France, and his girlfriend, Mary from Belgium, were found to be on a pan-India tour. 

While visiting Kochi, they had bought the idol, weighing 4.8 kg, for Rs 32,000. They also produced the bill in support of their claim. When the Customs officials called the shop owner from the number on the bill, he too had confirmed that the idol was new. The couple had planned to go to France via Sri Lanka and came to Madurai to board a flight to Colombo.