Singer Mika detained by customs for violation of FEMA rules

Singer Mika ran out of tune with the custom officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Wednesday night and was detained by the team led by additional commissioner (customs) Sameer Wankhede for violation of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) rules.

According to the custom officials, Mika was carrying cash over the permissible limit and was thus detained for questioning.

"Mika Singh was found carrying Rs3 lakh in Indian currency as well as $12,000 which is way higher than the amont permitted sans declaration. This is a clear violation of the FEMA rules," said a custom official requesting anonymity.

The custom official further explained that as per the rules an airline passenger is permitted to carry seven thousand and five hundred rupees and amount over $5,000 should be declared.

"When he was intercepted, the liquor bottles seemed to be in excess. So while questioning about the bottles the officials went on to question him about the currency and his answers didn't seem convincing. He claimed to be carrying $5,000 and one lakh rupees but his body language gave away his secret. And when searched, excess cash was found, added the official.

According to sources in the customs department, Mika was on his way back from Bangkok after a two days visit for a performance. He was detained on suspicion after alighting from a Jet Airways flight at 7.30pm. Mika was being questioned till the time of going to print however his arrest was being anticipated.

"A go ahead is awaited from the concerned higher authorities but his arrest is most likely for violating FEMA rules,"said an official.