• I Paid A Bribe
• 13 years ago
• 3888 views

Corrupt Customs Officer in Lucknow Airports

• Customs, Excise and Service Tax
• Customs Check and Clearance
• Paid INR 2,000

I landed from Muscat Airport to Lucknow airport during my annual leave from a Gulf based Company. I had few electronic items ( Toys for kids ) which is waved till certain amount in general. The moment its scanned they the scan person puts a Cross on bags which could means that it has electronic equipments to check but i realized this mark is treated as symbol for customs officer in airport at Arrival that this passenger is Prospective person to take bribe in lieue of allowing electronic items which are justified till you do not exceed the total value of items and dont carry some thing which is not allowed in customs.
The customs officer saw the cross and started asking for rs 10,000 i am entitled for what i am carrying he was insisting that if i dont pay i have to unpack all my luggage and show everything to him and then he will make the bills of every items. There were other customs officer they were smiling giving the impression that its normal and routine job for them.

I got scared that once he opens my suitcase he may start overpricing every single thing and falsely charge me on something.

I finally gave him approx. 2000 which was the only Indian currency i was carrying.

I was very disappointed that when we go to other countries to work we are always helped by customs and airport staff but in our own country we are treated like that.

Not only to customs officer even the guy who was scanning asking money and even finally when u are about to exit there are 2-3 policeman they were also asking give me atleast something...

Lucknow is the capital and with its one of the most corrupted place in airport. even my friends has experienced same.

I just hope that authorities put secret cameras to nab these corrupt customs officials.