Aishwarya Rai

The customs department has called actor Aishwarya Rai for questioning in connection with the discovery of 24,000 euros (approximately Rs14 lakh) in a package addressed to her.

The money was found when the package, said to have been sent from the Netherlands (and not South Africa as customs officers had indicated earlier) was being subjected to a routine check in Mumbai`s foreign post office.

According to the Customs Act and FEMA, receiving an amount in excess of Rs5,000 by post is an offence, and can attract a punishment of up to three years in jail.

Rai will be questioned by the customs` Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (Import).

Sources said that one Avnishwar, an event organiser, had sent the package to the actor with the euros tucked between electronic equipment.

Sources said the SIIB would like to ascertain if Rai knew the sender and if she was aware about the despatch of the package.

Rai, who is shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker`s Jodha-Akbar, is likely to return to Mumbai this weekend.