‘Rotten tomatoes, obscene photos’: Dutch national sends 'bizarre' parcel to Bengaluru airport to prevent 'untoward' incidents

BENGALURU: A 65-year-old Dutch national of Indian origin has been arrested for allegedly sending a parcel containing unusual items to the administrative office of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, police said. According to news agency PTI, the man, identified as Subhash Jai Ajeez, had sent the parcel in January this year. According to police, it contained a toothpaste cover, decaying flower garlands, rotten tomatoes, pieces of iron and obscene photographs. Authorities carried out a preliminary inquiry before filing a formal complaint on March 4. Police said they traced Ajeez using CCTV footage and local intelligence. He was found sleeping near a temple in the Madiwala area of the city, a senior officer said. During questioning, Ajeez told police that he did not have any malicious intent and claimed the parcel was part of a ritual meant to prevent “untoward incidents” at the airport. He also told officers that he had sent similar parcels to other airports, the officer added. Police said Ajeez is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder and a retired professional who receives a monthly pension of about €2,000. "He seemed to be mentally disturbed. He claimed he did not have any ill intention of creating any kind of trouble but only intended to ensure that no untoward incidents occur at Bengaluru airport," the officer said. Ajeez has been remanded to judicial custody. Police said further action would depend on the results of his medical examination, adding that the investigation is ongoing.