{
  "id": 6726839,
  "title": "US-based couple flags ‘scam’ at Delhi airport, authorities respond",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/us-based-couple-flags-scam-at-delhi-airport-authorities-respond",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-11T08:07:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/scam-at-delhi-airport-us-based-couple-alleges-familys-passports-scanned-at-duty-free-shop-officials-respond/articleshow/134053700.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A US-based couple has accused airport staff at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport of scanning the passports of their entire family during a recent visit. Pooja Tomarr Sikarwar posted a video on Instagram alleging that staff at the duty-free shop in Terminal 3 scanned the passports of all family members, including her two young children. She claimed that only the passport of the individual making the purchase should be scanned. When her husband questioned the staff, they allegedly said they were checking for offers. The couple raised concerns about how passport details were being collected and expressed fears that the practice could be linked to smuggling or unauthorized use of personal information. The airport authorities responded to the allegations on Instagram, stating that they would investigate the matter thoroughly. If found true, exemplary action would be taken against those responsible. The authorities asked the couple to share her contact information and details of her travel and visit to the duty-free outlet to help establish the facts.",
  "summary": "A US-based Indian couple alleged passport scanning of their young children at Delhi airport. Staff scanned multiple family passports after one purchase, claiming to check for offers. The couple raised concerns about data collection and potential misuse of personal information. Airport authorities have acknowledged the allegation and promised a thorough investigation. Exemplary action will be…",
  "key_points": [
    "US couple alleges passport scanning of entire family at Delhi airport",
    "Staff at duty-free shop scanned passports of children, husband claims",
    "Airport authorities promised thorough investigation into allegations"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The airport authorities' prompt response to the allegations and promise of investigation and action aims to reassure passengers that passenger data handling is taken seriously and violations will be addressed.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}