- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 213 views
Bribe paid at Hyderabad Airport
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 4,500
I reached Hyderabad during the early hours of 23rd July 2011. I was coming back after more than 18 months. I had thought that the limit was 75000INR for people returning after more than 3 months. My hand baggage was screened. I was carrying a lot of electronic stuff for my relatives worth nearly 1Lakh INR. But, surprisingly the officer charged me duty for only one item out of the multiple items that I was carrying. He calculated that I was carrying nearly 20000INR worth of dutiable goods and asked me to pay 8000INR. I was about to pay him fair and square when he asked whether I would like some adjustment. I did take the adjustment for two reasons - 1. The customs limit is bloody ridiculous. 2. Government doesn't make use of my tax money properly.
I kind of felt sorry for the customs officer and ended up giving him 4500INR after the adjustment. I think paying government officials well enough in the first place would be a huge step in getting rid of bribery.