Mumbai man alleges Customs officials demanded Rs25,000 to clear daughter’s bag

Posts about the demand for alleged bribe on various social networking sites after which he is contacted by the Customs

The father of a 13-year-old student from Ryan International School, Malad, alleged that the Customs officials at the international airport demanded a bribe of Rs25,000 to clear a bag from the cargo terminal at Andheri (east). The bag was sent from London, which the girl had lost during her visit in July, and contains R8,000 and clothes.

The bag was sent from London, which the girl had lost during her visit in July, and contains R8,000 and clothes.r(HT Photo)

After his daughter lost her bag while on a study tour, Aashish Mangal tweeted to the local authorities in London following which the bag was traced and sent via speed post to India. The Malad school has a tie-up with Thames Valley University that has a tie-up with Malad school.

The bag reached Mumbai on September 7, but was allegedly held by customs officials. Mangal on Tuesday sent one of his friends to collect the bag as he was not in the city.

“They told my friend that the bag can’t be returned as its origins were being probed and if I was desperate to reclaim it, then I should give them pay Rs25,000 as a bribe,” said Mangal.

He the posted about the demand for alleged bribe on various social networking sites after which he was contacted by the Customs.

A senior official said, “The complainant’s friend was explained that an amount of more than Rs5,000 [Indian currency] coming from overseas requires an NoC the Reserve Bank of India. He would get the bag and money once he submits the NoC.”

The official added that they asked Mangal for the name of the official who demanded money to clear bag so that he could be prosecuted. However, Managl did not give any name.