A U.S.-based entrepreneur and wellness expert, Dr. Baba Steve Bedi, recently declined involvement in a multi-crore hotel project in New Delhi after discovering that the land was illegally zoned and the permits were being obtained through bribery and political connections.

The encounter began when Bedi was introduced to a Member of Parliament, Rishi, during a visit to India. What started as a casual meeting soon evolved into a business proposal involving Rishi’s associate, Raju—a businessman with ties to a government infrastructure contract.

Over the next few days, Bedi was given a full tour of the hotel project, introduced to architects, engineers, and shown financial plans. However, during lunch discussions, it became clear that the project’s land was agricultural, and permits were being obtained through bribes to officials in the building department.

“I was shocked,” Bedi said. “The whole thing was polished on the outside, but completely illegal underneath. I told them I couldn’t be a part of it.”

The turning point came after Raju suffered a stroke, and Bedi visited him at the hospital with Rishi. During their conversation, Bedi reminded Rishi—himself undergoing cancer treatment—that life is too short to spend in deceit and illegality.

“I told him, he should use his second chance to reform, educate the youth, and stop enabling corruption,” Bedi said.

Rishi reportedly responded with regret and promised to distance himself from corrupt activities, pledging to live the rest of his life with integrity and purpose.

The story underscores the complex interplay of business, politics, and ethics in emerging economies—and the role individuals can play in choosing conscience over profit.