'It Was A Ritual': Why A Dutch National Sent Rotten Tomatoes, Obscene Photos To Bengaluru Airport?

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 08:55 IST

Ajeez told police the parcel was a ritual to prevent mishaps at the airport — and claimed to be a self-styled godman with the spiritual authority to protect public spaces.

A retired Dutch national of Indian origin mailed a parcel stuffed with rotten tomatoes, decaying flower garlands, iron scraps and obscene photographs to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport — then was found sleeping near a temple months later. Police say it was a ‘ritual’. Here’s what we know.

Who Is Subhash Jai Ajeez, And What Did He Send?

Subhash Jai Ajeez, a 65-year-old Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder of Dutch nationality, sent a parcel to the administrative office of Kempegowda International Airport in January this year.

Authorities discovered a toothpaste cover, decaying flower garlands, rotten tomatoes, iron scraps, and obscene photographs inside. Not exactly your average post.

Why Did It Take So Long for An Arrest To Be Made?

The parcel didn’t trigger an immediate crackdown. Officials launched a preliminary inquiry before formally registering a complaint on March 4. That’s nearly two months after the package was received — suggesting authorities initially assessed it as unusual rather than threatening before escalating the matter.

How Did Police Finally Track Him Down?

No dramatic chase was needed. Using CCTV surveillance and local intelligence inputs, police traced Ajeez to the Madiwala area, where he was found asleep near a temple.

A retired professional receiving a €2,000 monthly pension, living rough near a Bengaluru temple — it raised immediate questions about his mental state.

What Did He Say He Was Trying To Do?

This is where it gets stranger. According to Asianet Newsable, Ajeez told investigators he had no harmful intent. He claimed the parcel was part of a ritual aimed at preventing “untoward incidents" at the airport.

Notably, Udayavani reported that Ajeez described himself as a self-styled godman — suggesting he believed he had some spiritual authority to “protect" public spaces through such acts.

Has He Done This Before?

Yes — and that makes this more than a one-off quirk. According to The Hans India, Ajeez told police he had sent similar parcels to other airports as well. Authorities have not yet disclosed which airports or how many were targeted.

What Happens To Him Now?

After his arrest, Ajeez was remanded to judicial custody. Authorities stated that further action will depend on the findings of his medical examination. Police have been candid that mental illness may be a factor — a senior officer was quoted by Asianet Newsable as saying he “seemed to be mentally disturbed." The investigation remains ongoing.

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