- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 213 views
Looting in the name of bribe
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 2,000
I was a student in an American university and landed in Mumbai international airport during my trip to India. I was bringing back some of my personal belongings from US as I was going to shift over to India. I got down from the plane with lots of patriotic fellings. I did not expect that customs officials would make me penniless (they emptied my purse). The customs officer made me sit close to the X-********** scanner after security check. A friendly customs officer checked my suitcases thoroughly. He openly commented about the laptop brands and all the electronics stuff I had. He showed me some Indian customs department rules on a computer monitor. According to that law, no more than one laptop could be carried for free. Inspite of repeated argument that the laptops are for personal use he told me to pay bribe. I was instructed to enter a room nearby (staff room I guess). He told me to pay the bribe in dollars! He completely emptied my purse by snooping into it! Ended up paying equivalent to Rs 2000. I left the airport with a very bitter feeling. Oh India what have you become?