Punjabi singer Sukhbir Singh detained at Lahore airport

Mangalore Today News Network

Islamabad, August 10, 2015: Punjabi pop singer Sukhbir Singh, who is based in Dubai, was reportedly held up at the Lahore airport here after he was found to be carrying USD 27,000, in excess of permissible limits.

 

However, his family that lives in Bhogpur near Kapurthala, denied that “anything objectionable” was found on the singer at the airport.

PTI, quoting a senior customs official, reported that Sukhbir had reached the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore at 11.30 am to catch a Dubai-bound flight. “However, before check-in, the singer asked the authorities how much amount he could carry abroad. On learning that the permissible limit is USD 10,000, he left the airport as he had more than USD 10,000,” the official.

Sukhbir’s family, meanwhile, claimed that the singer boarded the flight to Dubai. Speaking to The Indian Express, Sukhbir’s nephew Sunny Singh said: “We came to know of the incident through media but we are in touch with Sukhbir. He is innocent and nothing objectionable was found on him during the custom checks. He safely boarded the flight for Dubai.”

The nephew also said that “Sukhbir was in Pakistan for a music concert. He was there for the past few days and had to return to Dubai today”.

According to PTI, the singer arrived in Lahore to perform in the marriage ceremony of the grandson of a close associate of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. “Sukhbir was given USD 30,000 to perform in both events on August 7 and 8 where Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali also performed,” it was reported.

 

Courtesy: Indianexpress