Dubai Businessman Harassed Over Rolex at Jaipur Airport

Dubai Industrialist Vasu Shroff’s Rolex Seized at Jaipur Airport, Sparks Demand for Customs Overhaul

Vasu Shroff, a well-known Indian businessman in Dubai and the chairman of the Regal Group, claimed that customs officers at Jaipur International Airport treated him in a degrading manner because he was wearing a Rolex wristwatch. The incident, which occurred during a short visit to India, has since sparked calls for greater accountability and reform in airport customs procedures.

Often referred to as Dubai’s “Textile King,” the 92-year-old Shroff arrived in Jaipur on April 12 to attend a religious ceremony and meet Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. According to Khaleej Times, shortly after landing, Shroff was approached by an immigration officer near the baggage claim area. The officer questioned the Rolex watch he was wearing and demanded a customs declaration for it, implying it was subject to import regulations.

Shroff, a wheelchair-using businessman, was reportedly held for more than two hours despite his explanation that the opulent timepiece was a part of his personal belongings and was frequently worn on overseas trips. He was allegedly refused access to basic amenities including drinking water, his medication, and restrooms during this time.
Shroff’s legal counsel, Dharmendra Singh, a senior advocate with credentials in the Supreme Court of India and the Rajasthan High Court, condemned the treatment as both “unlawful and undignified.” He said Shroff was wrongly accused of attempting to smuggle the timepiece, which was subsequently seized by customs officers. The Rolex, weighing 188 grams and valued at Rs 3.5 million (around AED 150,000), was taken into custody despite the submission of evidence proving long-term ownership.

After returning to Dubai on April 14, Shroff’s assistant tried to retrieve the watch, only to be allegedly asked to pay Rs 10,000 in unsubstantiated charges. The demand, according to Singh, is “wholly without legal merit.” The watch wasn’t returned until April 19—after Singh intervened and official legal action was taken.

Shroff said he was shocked by the experience, calling it “deeply distressing and wholly avoidable.” To maintain openness and respect for foreign visitors, he asked Indian authorities to establish uniform, transparent protocols at all airports, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Jaipur. He also emphasized the critical necessity for staff training on how to treat older and well-known passengers with the deference they merit.

The incident has since gained attention in both Indian and UAE circles, adding pressure on customs departments to modernize practices and uphold travelers’ rights.