KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Anti Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has registered the FIR against accused, who were allegedly involved in evading taxes of around Rs 1,849, 706, and launched investigation regarding the matter.
The complainant, Senior Preventive Officer, Customs House, Azhar Malik, in the FIR mentioned that Syed Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Naveed Haider (both absconders) were allegedly involved in using smuggled/non-duty paid vehicle, Toyota Hilux Surf, Registration No: WAA-833 and this particular vehicle was spotted near Ashfaq Memorial Hospital, Budh Bazar Ground, in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
The FIR mentioned that a team was constituted to watch and intercept the vehicle. The Customs team found the Toyota Hilux Surf in Gulshan-e-Iqbal locality while Syed Altaf Hussain introduced himself as an owner of the vehicle to the visiting team.
According to the FIR, Syed Altaf Hussain was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the lawful import, procurement and possession of the said vehicle to which he produced a certificate of Registration bearing No:NC0059546 of Motor Registering Authority Quetta showing the details of vehicle as Toyota Station-Wagon, Chassis No:LN61-0021877, Engine No:2L-3266361, Model 1998, 2446 CC whereas the actual vehicle was Yoyota Hilux Surf (Jeep).
The FIR revealed that vehicle was taken into possession in the presence of musheers namely Danish Khan and Muhammad Moeed under Mushirnama prepared on the spot and escorted at ASO/HQ, NMB Wharf, Karachi, for detail examination and investigation.
It also mentioned that Toyota Hilux Surf was appraised value at Rs48, 96, 833/- from appraisement collectorate.
As per the FIR, separate inventory including mentioned details and accessories was also prepared in presence of both musheers as well as occupant of the vehicle, which was detained for verification of records, police forensic examination and verification.
The FIR shows that further inquiry and forensic test report No:AIG/FD/Veh/OR/178/2017, confirmed that no other number has been deciphered under the present chassis serial (LN61-0021877). However, the half chassis number frame is welded and replaced at the site of original chassis frame.
It also shows that M/s PRAL Customs, User Support Group, Custom House Karachi, clarified that no record was found on the basis of given description. The FIR claims that no response has been received from Excise and Taxation Officer,Motor Registering Authority, Quetta despite repeated letters/reminders which clearly indicates the non-cooperative attitude of the part of MRA Quetta.
As per the FIR, the vehicle has been seized for violating Section 2(s) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid.
The FIR also mentioned that notices under U/s 171 of the Customs Act, 1969, have been issued to the people involved in this matter while investigation was in progress to unearth and arrest the absconder accused involved in this act of forgery and smugg
