NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stepped up its probe into alleged evasion of customs duty by former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi during the import of bombardier challenger aircraft.
The agency has approached Custom Overseas Intelligence Network (COIN), seeking fresh information. The aircraft, imported by travel firm Golden Wings, was reportedly used by Modi during 2009-10, officials said.
This is one of the cases that the government is examining to tighten the noose around Modi, who was granted travel documents by the external affairs ministry despite Indian agencies investigating his role in alleged violations of Foreign Exchange Management Act and customs duty. The DRI case against Modi suffered a setback in 2013 when the Delhi High Court directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to de-register the aircraft despite the agency’s probe.
The aircraft, which was alleged to have been brought to India without payment of customs duty, is said to be parked at Biggin Hill airport at Kent in the United Kingdom. It was taken out of the country in April 2010, days before Modi flew out of India. DRI officials said that they had approached their counterparts in the UK to get more details on the aircraft and its ownership since they suspect that the aircraft is owned by Modi and was bought from the IPL money.
According to the DRI, an exemption in customs duty is given when an aircraft is imported for non-scheduled passenger services or non-scheduled charter services. The agency in its showcause notice has alleged that Modi evaded customs duty of Rs 18.32 crore while importing the aircraft through Mumbai-based Golden Wings, a charge denied by him. The company also informed the DRI that Modi does not own any aircraft in India.
However, the DRI said that the aircraft was imported to evade customs duty by showing it as one meant for the purpose of providing non-scheduled (passenger) services when, in reality, it was for personal use. The agency said that it wanted to confiscate the aircraft since the terms of use were violated by Golden Wings. However, the aircraft was flown out of the country before it could act.
According to the DRI, the aircraft was imported in the name of Golden Wings from Peel Aviation, Ireland on lease for an amount of Rs 10.85 crore for a period of seven years beginning 2008. The cost of the aircraft is said to be Rs 120 crore.
