Here is my experience with GEP verification in Bangalore:

- Went to the Bangalore Passport Seva Kendra (Lal Baug) on Dec 11. The first counter I went to, asked me to get a copy of my Aadhar card and police verification request. Luckily, there is a photocopier on-site, but there was a mad rush for it, so it took about 20-30 minutes before I could get my token.

After I got my token, I went to 3 different counters (A, B, C) in sequence, but was very quick. I had overlooked the option for SMS update of police verification, and I wasn't able to opt in at the PSK in counter A. Looks like PSK didn't want my Rs 45...

Went to police station same day, the passport verification officer said that he "couldn't find my file". It was probably code for "I want a bribe", but I said I'd come a few days later, as I'd be out of town.

- Went to Vijayanagar police station on Dec 15, the passport verification officer said that my verification couldn't be done, as my passport has USA address. I tried to explain that I have an Aadhar card, and I'm an NRI, so I can't stay in India for long duration, but he kept interrupting, saying that the system would reject police verification.

He also argued that I should have put in my latest date of entry into India, as the "from" date in the GEP application for Indian residence duration. He was doubtful about being able to do police verification using a passport issued outside of India (passport issued in Chicago in my case).

My India address was my permanent address since 2012. He also argued that I couldn't claim residency since 2012, as I hadn't been living continuously since 2012. I tried to explain that I'm an NRI, but he kept interrupting me.

After arguing for a while, he called up a superior, and was told to get Aadhar and Passport from me and signed statements from my parents (both NRIs).

We came home, constable in tow. Constable took photos with her tablet, a statement from me stating my India address and workplace, and a statement from my parents stating our India address. An additional statement was taken from our neighbors, to attest to me and my parents' place of residence in India.

Constable complained about Aadhar card having an issuance date of less than 1 year from present day, but I convinced her that I got my original Aadhar in 2014, and only did a name change this year.

- I had to run around to get photocopies of my parents' passports and Aadhar cards, after the constable called up her superior at the police station, to confirm that she needed the copies attested.

I gave attested photocopies of by new and old passport, my parent's passports, and Aadhar card copies of all 3 of us. In addition, a passport-size photo was given. The constable who came home to do police verification, kept complaining about being clueless about what documents she should ask from me.

All in all, Indian police lived up to their reputation as being unfriendly, clueless, and often unable to work without "bakhseesh".

I did manage to get the phone number of the passport officer, and also went to the police station in person, after the constable left. I couldn't find the passport officer, so I will try to follow up next week.