- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 283 views
The Random *******
I went in to the check in counter of the Indigo Flight to Singapore from Mumbai, Nov 03, 2011. The check-in lady said that teh Indian Customs has put a hold for a random check and that I will have to see the custome officer after Immigration, and only when he clears me for Check in, that they will accept my baggage! I complied and obliged to the instructions, as worded and stated.
After Immigration, I went to the Customs counter just before check in. The officer asked me for the purpose of my visit to Singapore, and my lively hood in India. I answered, truthfully. He asked me the cash amount I was carrying. I informed that I was carrying USD 1500 and SGD 300, to see me through the days I would spend in Singapore. He asked for a receipt! ????? I was in an awe...I said I had bought them in Singapore, on my last trip...2 weeks back, and that I am carrying the cash out again. He asked me for my passport endorsment for that money. I questioned that! As I understand that the new Indian passports do not require the endorsment in any form. He said as I did not have any receipt or passport endorsment, I will have to pay a 45% fine on each currency, eqivallent. I tried to protest. He guided me in the room adjacent. He frisked me, checked my laptop bag. Can he do that? They found the money as I had mentioned. He said I could wait to be seen in front of the Asst Commisioner, who reports to work at supposedly on the 11th hour of the day. And I was to catch my flight in a matter of 1 hour. He said I will have to wait, or pay him a lump-sum (I quote : "Under Table"). I asked how much? He said USD 400. I was like you must be kidding me...He agreed on USD 200, for immediate release of my passport and me! To cut things short, I agreed and shot down to the awaiting air craft. I was disgusted by myself and the people they were. I am a frequent flyer and nevere have I had this trouble, to any Air Port I have been through, in any part of the world! They are devils/scoundrels in white uniforms... They should burn to hell... Huhh...A Random Check...My Arse! I bet they make millions everyday by fooling idiots like me who do not know the law...and fall trap to their interrogating words!!! I have ordered a Law book, which I plan to carry everytime I fly!!!