- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 1355 views
Return to India - made me think - Why Should I?
- Customs, Excise and Service Tax
- Customs Check and Clearance
- Paid INR 9,000
I, after toiling for 18 months - studying and working with all honesty, decided to take a break and visit family. I am a technology enthusiast and I own a decent camera, a MP3 player, a laptop and a portable gaming device (all ONE, all MINE). The officer started explaining the 'laws' to me. He had a price (largely inflated - 300% at least) for every one of my items. He said he'll 'confiscate' my PSP (he had no interest whatsoever in my MP3 or anything else). I refused to leave anything behind. He didn't let me go and offered to let me go if I gave him 'all the money I had on me' (USD 200). I was coming off a 30-hour journey, not much sleep, and eager to see my family!! I told him that I am a student, working hard to help pay for my education (I am paying for my own education, thanks to a brilliant research lab where I study) - a dirty smirk that came across his face (which I interpreted as "I don't care you stupid moron") - after which I accepted defeat. I argued with whatever little strength I had left for about an hour.
The 'style' was to first try and intimidate me (which didn't work), then explain the 'law' to me , use fancy terms and then play the good cop (I'll LET you go for USD xxx only!).