- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 2006 views
Shells collected from a beach became import of endangered sea species
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 3,000
Myself and my wife returned to bangalore from a business trip to New Zealand. My wife had collected few small sea shells from the beach. We landed in bangalore by Dragon air flight which arrived well past midnight.
At the customs they stopped us and threatned that we are smuggling endangerd sea animals which is banned by rule. They also where showing some rule books to justify the case. The officers who examined our bags told that we will be booked and had to wait for their senior oficer to come.
After an hour of waiting a person in uniform arrived and informed us that we are being booked. Since the senior officer is not there we will have to wait till morning 10 AM to register the case.
Then another person told me that if I pay 7000 rs as bribe to them they will let us go.
I refused to pay.
I told them we dont want these shells as it was collected from a beach and has no commercial value. That point around 5 officers came and started to threaten us.
They where quoting ********** ********** case etc..
My wife was in tears and finally they took 100 NZD (approx 3000 INR) from me and let us go.
It was one of the most horrific experience in my life.