Rs 25K limit is applicable for person coming in India from any country at Airport. Its per person. No idea if the thing is opened (not packed/sealed) and used, then it comes under 25K limit.BTW I had worse experience at Mumbai Airport while returning from Dubai in 2005 (I was not aware of rules, was young and travelling for first time).I had brought
Sony Music system fully packed in big box which costed around Rs 10K. 1 coolie approached me saying do you want to take it out. I thought 'out' means just helping me out, so I said yes. But he staringht took me to lady custom officer. She asked me how much was price. I said 10K. So she said I have to pay 30% custom duty of Rs 3000. I said I only have Rs 1500, so she said she would take away that box and seal it. I was afraid and asked her solution (my big mistake). She said pay Rs 1000 (BRIBE!). I agreed. Then she sent me with Hawaldar who took Rs 1000. But after seeing some extra cash in my wallet, asked extra Rs 50 saying I wont get anything from those Rs 1000 as it goes to higher officers. I gave him Rs 50. And WORST part is, almost at exit gate that same coolie again caught me asking for money. I said I didnt had any money. He said he can take foreign currency as well. So I gave some Dubai's coins (=Rs 24). So I was looted by Airport employees for around Rs 1100 for no reasons, as I had no other stuff with me
I told this incident to my friends in Dubai, so they did setting in advance with their friends working at Airport to get thing 'out' easily
After 2 years, while I was returning from London (now I had lots of travelling experience at Airport), I had 1 watch in my bag, which custom officer saw while scanning. He asked me about watch cost. I (in angry look and tone) said its 10 Pounds. He said means how mauch. I said no idea, go to exchange and ask them (in angry tone). He then asked just 1 watch. I said then what you expect, I should get dozen! and left from there.So be careful at Airport from staff working there.(Sorry for long post, but couldn't resist to mention those incidents)