A logistics company named Wintrack ventured into Chennai, envisioning growth opportunities to enhance trade through the city’s bustling ports. However, their aspirations were met with hindrances when the Chennai Customs department intervened, causing delays and disruptions in their operations.
Despite publicly denouncing instances of bribery demands earlier in the year, Wintrack’s CEO, Prawin Ganeshan, witnessed his business facing significant challenges. Containers were seized arbitrarily, and shipments were held for extended periods, impacting the company’s operations.
After enduring persistent harassment, Wintrack made the difficult decision to cease its operations in India on October 1. Ganeshan expressed his disappointment, attributing the company’s closure to the prevailing corruption within the system, which he believed had triumphed over his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The ordeal began in January 2025 when a modest shipment attracted the attention of a Delhi Faceless Assessment officer, who allegedly demanded a substantial sum as a bribe. Despite initial confrontations and refusals to comply with corrupt demands, subsequent incidents of extortion from various officers led to mounting pressure on Ganeshan and his business.
Facing immense stress and health issues, Ganeshan resorted to publicizing the corrupt practices he encountered, shedding light on the challenges businesses face in navigating bureaucratic hurdles in India. Despite his efforts to resist the corrupt demands, the relentless pressure forced him to discontinue operations in the country.
In a bid for transparency and justice, the Finance Ministry initiated an investigation into the matter, responding to public outcry and demands for accountability. The scrutiny of the alleged malpractices within the Customs department raised hopes for uncovering the truth behind Wintrack’s struggles.
This incident reflects a larger issue of corruption within government agencies, including the Customs Department, which has a history of misconduct and extortion. The prevalent culture of bribery and harassment poses significant challenges for businesses operating in India, undermining the country’s aspirations for economic growth and stability.
As the nation aims to achieve a $5 trillion economy, addressing systemic corruption and ensuring a conducive environment for businesses becomes imperative. The repercussions of such malpractices extend beyond individual companies, impacting supply chains, employment, and the overall investment climate in the country. Wintrack’s exit serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of corruption on India’s economic landscape.