• I Paid A Bribe
• 14 years ago
• 257 views

The lady at customs withheld my passport for declining to pay bribe

• Customs, Excise and Service Tax
• Customs Check and Clearance
• Paid INR 1,000

During my trip to India in December 2009, I had to go through the customs at Hyderabad. I was carrying a personal laptop and an office laptop during this trip. The lady at the customs told me that I cannot carry two laptops. I explained for a while and showed her the company service tag/letter on the laptop. She was indirectly asking for bribe and when i declined and asked for why I have to pay, she turned loud, rude and took my passport and asked me to leave. I was helpless and had no choice but to say sorry to her and pay the bribe. Even the police at the exit gate when asked for help said "you deserve what you got, can't you just pay and go". This is one experience I will never forget.