- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 284 views
Paid Bribe at the Airport
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 2,500
This happened in November 2010. I happened to go to India after 3 years. I had one personal laptop which was 6 years old. I was also carrying my personal Camera and Office Laptop. I also had my cell phone. Nothing else. I didn't know that we had to declare all the items irrespective of whether they are new or not.
I was in a very happy mood that I am visiting my home after 3 years but was very disappointed at the Hyderabad airport.
My Suitcase was marked 'X'. I was stopped just before the exit.I showed them my luggage and mentioned that these are my personal items and I would be taking them back. Even they could easily see that they are all quite old and they are my personal items. But still insisted that I was carrying items worth more than allowed and I was asked to pay about 15,000 Rs for carrying my personal items. I was shocked and argued with them that they were quite old and how can I pay so much. In the end, As if they are doing me some favor asked me to pay about 2500.
As I didn't know that I had to declare at the customs for my old items, also as I didn't have enough energy or mood to argue further, I paid Rs 2500. But left with guilt and that happiness was lost for a while.
I realized that next time I need to know the rules properly and also follow them before I can fight not to pay the bribe. Even If I am wrong, I should not pay the bribe but should pay fine.