| Complaint filed by | |
| Complaint filed on | September 1st, 2022 |
| Complaint filed against | Virgin Atlantic |
- Text of Complaint by Dharmesh Patel
Dear Sir/Madam,
On the 30th of August 2022 at 10 AM I landed at Mumbai Airport from London (Virgin Atlantic – VS354). I had an old Gold chain (gifted by my parents) which I was not wearing and it was on my passport pouch, and the pouch was a handbag. When the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) department scanned my handbag the chain was found, and I had to show the BCAS officer and explain everything.
The Gold chain weight was 2.7g, and the officer requested to pay tax on Gold Chain – Rs 31000. I even spoke to his manager, but he was not helpful at all. Even explaining everything officer was harassing me. Then he asked me to come on the side, acting like he was showing rules on a large board. He asked the following questions, how much money do you have? What work do you do in London? etc. I only had Rs 8000 (Indian currency) which I kept for a Taxi far from Mumbai to South Gujarat. He said to pay the Rs 8000 bribe, and I could leave the Airport. I was so harassed and mentally tortured by the officer that I had no option left that I had to pay the bribe (plus my private hire taxi driver was waiting outside the airport).
How the bribe was taken – There was a police constable nearby, BCAS Officer said to go near toilet 10 baggage area, and the constable will come inside the toilet and give the money to him. (Please check the CCTV footage from 11 am to 12 pm). The police constable told me that the bribe I have given him will contribute to everyone including the BCAS senior officer/line manager.
Note: The BCAS officer refused to give his name and refused to show his ID. Somehow I have managed to take officer ID picture (please see the attached image).
It’s shame to see this level of corruption happening at Mumbai airport. How are the BCAS department and Mumbai Police working together for getting bribes from poor passengers. My request is to take serious action against BCAS office, Polic constable and all the members who are in involve in this.
Kind regards,
Dharmesh Patel
