Mangalore :  A passenger named Ismail (24) who had arrived by an Air India Express flight from Muscat was reportedly assaulted by a customs official  at the Mangalore International airport on August 20, Tuesday.

It is learnt Ismail from Munnur was intercepted for having gold and asked to pay duty. The officials had detained him when he was seen in possession of 35.51 grams of gold with him.

However, Ismail argued  that he had the receipt of the purchase of gold for his sister.

It is learnt, when Ismail did not agree to pay Rs 5000 penalty  asked by the customs officials , he was taken in a closed room where he was assaulted by a customs officer in mufti.

However, the airport officials said they were not aware of the assault and that the customer was only asked to pay duty after the jewellery was spotted in the luggage scan.

The injured Ismail has been admitted to SCS Hospital.