Aishwarya Rai

A package addressed to film star Aishwarya Rai delivered a sensation in Mumbai’s foreign post office when a routine check revealed its contents: 65,000 euros, or Rs29 lakh.

The package, said to have been sent from South Africa by a South Indian man, was to be conveyed to Rai’s residence in Bandra (West).

Customs Superintendent SS Shenoy said the matter has been handed over to the Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (imports).

According to sources in the customs department, Rai has told authorities that the package may have been sent to frame her. “We have not jumped to the conclusion that Rai is guilty of some impropriety,” a senior customs officer said. “We have to ascertain whether the money was actually meant for her.”

The officer, however, said Rai might be called for questioning if required.

JP Singh, deputy commissioner of the SIIB, refused to comment, saying the matter is confidential.

Rai’s secretary Hari Singh told DNA on Monday that the incident was news to him.