Mauritius President stopped at Varanasi airport over excess baggage
Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun was reportedly stopped at the international airport in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Roopun, who was on a two-day visit to Varanasi, was stopped for carrying excessive luggage and was asked to pay the additional fee for the same, according to Hindustan Times. The Mauritian President was on his way to Delhi. Here are more details.
Roopun stopped by Air India officials for excess baggage
According to the report, an Air India official stopped Roopun at the Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport and asked him to pay for his excess baggage. The Air India staff reportedly said they have to follow protocol. For domestic flights, the national carrier allows 23 kgs of checked-in baggage. An additional charge of Rs. 500 (plus GST) is applicable per kg of excess baggage.
Officials intervened; airline staff asked to not charge additional fee
Airport Director Akashdeep Mathur intervened in the matter, HT reported. Thereafter, officials spoke to the Aviation Ministry and senior officials of Air India, asking them not to charge the Mauritian President for excess baggage. District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma also talked to Air India's staff. Eventually, Roopun and his company were allowed to board their flight to New Delhi.
Roopun visited Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi
Roopun is visiting India with his family members. In Varanasi, he visited the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where he was welcomed by the CEO of the temple trust, Vishal Singh. Previously, the Mauritian President also offered prayers at the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, Bihar. While in Bihar, he also went to see the ruins of the Nalanda University.
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