- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 2982 views
Trapped by a Broker
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 1,500
I and my friend went to Dhaka for a two-month intern at Grameen Bank. We did not take much money with us, fearing it would be stolen. As our visa was of double-entry type, we decided to return to India for more money. In the visa, it was written that the mode of entry was by train and nothing was written for the mode of exit. We didn't know that both should be same. At the night of 31st **********, I returned to India for getting more money as we were being short of money. I chose to travel by bus as there was no need of booking the ticket in advance. When I reached the border, the a custom officer of Bangladesh stopped me and told that you can not cross the border as you should exit only by train. He explained me the procedure of entry and exit. But, I didn't have enough money to return to my friend. I explained my situation to him. He relented but after making my pockets empty. I thanked him, but I didn't know there would be a bigger problem at the Indian Customs Office. A person, probably a broker, told me that you can be punished for crossing the border illegally. I was ready to put my point to the Head of Customs, but I was in hurry as the bus was going to leave and I had to book my railway ticket to Dhaka today itself failing which I would not go on Wednesday and I would have to wait for the next train which was on Saturday. This would be painful for my friend who also had meagre money to manage till Saturday. So, I asked the broker the solution. He told that you would have to pay INR 1500 to the custom officer. I told him that I didn't have any money with me. He told that then nobody can help me. He asked if you have an ATM card. I disappointedly told that I had. He took me to an ATM booth which was 2 kms away. I transacted the money from the ATM and paid the money (bribe) to the officer. I was feeling very bad that I was bribing, but I was helpless in that situation. I set free myself with that bribe and came to Kolkata to book the next-day ticket, to Dhaka, of the train 'Maitree *******