Dutch national held for sending bizarre ‘ritual’ package to Bengaluru airport

The International Airport Police on Tuesday arrested a 65-year-old Dutch citizen of Indian origin for allegedly sending a bizarre package containing rotten vegetables, garlands, and obscene photographs to the administrative office of Kempegowda International Airport earlier this year, police said.

The accused, identified as Subhash Hajij, a Dutch national holding an Overseas Citizen of India card, is suspected to have sent the package in January as part of a ritual intended to ward off untoward incidents at the airport.

Airport authorities were left puzzled after receiving a large carton containing rotten tomatoes, decaying flower garlands, pieces of iron, a toothpaste cover, and nude photographs of men and women. After deliberating over the contents for several weeks, officials lodged a complaint with the airport police on March 4.

Based on CCTV footage, the police tracked down Hajij and took him into custody for questioning.

“He claims he had no ill intention and sent the package to ensure that no tragic incidents occur at the airport. He also claims to have sent similar packages to other airports. We are verifying his claims,” a senior investigating officer said.

Police said Hajij, who has Indian roots, was born in a South American country and is fluent in multiple languages, including Dutch, German, Spanish, English, and Hindi.

He reportedly worked in Europe for several years before retiring. He has been travelling across countries using his pension and frequently visits India, though he has no known relatives here.

In Bengaluru, he was found sleeping near a temple in Madiwala. The police said he has also travelled extensively across Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

During questioning, officers suspected that Hajij may be mentally unstable.

“He is currently in judicial custody. We have approached the court to subject him to a medical examination to determine his mental health condition. So far, there is no indication that he intended to create mischief,” the officer added.

The police have booked him under the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017. Further investigation is under way.