THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special team of customs have started a detailed probe on the arrival of religious texts and dates via diplomatic baggage in the airport. Though no one has been implicated in the case, the decision of the investigating team is to collect statements from witnesses including from the employees of the consulate. If needed, will seek permission of the centre.

The inspection is subject to provisions of the Customs Act and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Though 250 Quran bundles arrived at the consulate, only 32 were found so far. The consulate has to give an explanation on the remaining holy books. For this, the testimonies of the consulate employees will be recorded first.

It will be mainly probed on the delivery of 17,000 kilos of dates arriving for the Consulate General evading tax, in four years. The rule is that those bringing things from abroad after tax deduction should not be distributed outside.