I seemed to be the only non-Marwari in the entire compartment of the train to Udaipur. Amidst Marwari-bonding in the train, there was a candid sharing of stories among members of this community known for their business accumen.
A gold merchant spoke about how his employees, who take local trains in Bombay get stopped by cops around Marine Lines and Grant Road station. They first demand that the employees open their large bags so that they can be inspected. Then the police demand proof that the gold and jewellery aren't stolen. Of course, the harassment goes on till the employee parts away with some cash. The more experienced the employee, the less he pays the policeman.
So, basically these merchants are a cash cow for the police and some businessmen have a provision for bribery. I have been taking local trains for years but have never been witness to these kinds of things. But I guess, living in a banana republic, I shouldn't be suprised with these stories.
This particular gold merchant said that it was impossible to get tickets on the Bombay-Ahmedabad Duranto Express because, the train runs non-stop from Bombay Central to Ahmedabad City. This makes it safer for those in the jewellery business to transport their valuables.
A gold merchant spoke about how his employees, who take local trains in Bombay get stopped by cops around Marine Lines and Grant Road station. They first demand that the employees open their large bags so that they can be inspected. Then the police demand proof that the gold and jewellery aren't stolen. Of course, the harassment goes on till the employee parts away with some cash. The more experienced the employee, the less he pays the policeman.
So, basically these merchants are a cash cow for the police and some businessmen have a provision for bribery. I have been taking local trains for years but have never been witness to these kinds of things. But I guess, living in a banana republic, I shouldn't be suprised with these stories.
This particular gold merchant said that it was impossible to get tickets on the Bombay-Ahmedabad Duranto Express because, the train runs non-stop from Bombay Central to Ahmedabad City. This makes it safer for those in the jewellery business to transport their valuables.
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