• I Paid A Bribe
• 14 years ago
• 1930 views

Bribe to collect even personal effects (clothes)

• Customs, Excise and Service Tax
• Customs Check and Clearance
• Paid INR 3,400

I lived in the UK for two years. Since my luggage was over weight I had to send two bags through British Airways Cargo. The bags arrived in India within 2 weeks. I got the collection slip from BA. I was to contact customs and collect my bags.

At customs office/warehouse nearby, there was no person in the counter and it was shut. There were no forms near the window to fill and conduct the process personally. About 30 agents were sitting near the window. When I started running from desk to desk asking what requires to be done, no one answered and suggested to come next day. When I tried to visit the Asst. Customs Commissner I was asked to wait. A "nice" customs office smoking inside the building suggested to contact an agent and gave a reference. After contacting the agent the price was set at 2000 ruppees as I said I was a student. He pulled forms from his bag, fille them up and got me to sign everywhere. I followed him from desk to desk as he got signatures, stamps, clearance etc. I had to pay extra charges at cash counter as I was late by 3 days to collect my bags even though they had "dispatched" registered post to inform me. I never got first or second. I only came when I started calling British Airways. Anyways after about 5 hours of running around we were in front of warehouse and my bags arrived. We had to wait another 2 hours for bada babu to arrive after tea to personally check if I was really carrying personal effects. When he came know that I was not student and was working, the price increase from 2000 to 3400 after a lot of bargaining.

Finally after 7 hours and 3400 ruppees I got my bags. What a waste of time, money and energy. Promised myself to never ever have extra luggage even if it means to abandon belongings behind or donating to Charities.

Dont think Indian customs will ever change.