Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/GA)

Mangalore, Apr 26: Speaking at a press conference held in the Custom's Commissionerate here on Thursday April 26 afternoon, Mangalore customs commissioner Dr John Joseph clearly denied charges of bribery levelled against the custom's commissonerate.

"In the last few days some of the newspapers have tarnished our image by publishing the news that the Commissonerate is involved in taking bribes at Bajpe airport.  I strongly deny these false charges which are aimed at denigrating us in public's eyes.  None of our officers has been involved in bribery and we would not tolerate any kind of bribery," he said.

Dr Joseph requested the passengers to lodge a specific complaint with the higher authorities if anyone demanded bribe from them at any point. 

"Our task is to see that smuggled goods should not enter inside India. At the same time, Mangalore Customs Commissionerate is facing shortage of workforce to manage the activities at the airport," he said.

A total of 28 employees are required at the airport. But no employee has been recruited yet to handle customs operations. Hence the staff from the city are managing the airport work too in between their regular schedule.  So there are some inconveniences at the airport, he admitted. But he ruled out any possibilities of corruption at the airport.

So far the Mangalore airport has the permission to handle bags and baggage only. Permission has not been given for handling cargo here. "But of late, MSIL has come forward to handle cargo at the airport. If MSIL develops the necessary infrastructure for handling cargo and fulfils the conditions put by Customs department, recommendation would be given for granting permission to handle cargo. For this purpose however 8 more customs staff are necessary," he added.

More details can be had by calling : + 91 824 2408164 (Commissioner), + 91 824 2408311 (Joint Commissioner).