KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has directed the investigation officer to submit charge sheet against the suspect involved in non-duty paid vehicle case.
According to the prosecution, Muhammad Ali Alwani, who is currently absconder, was allegedly owned non-duty paid Toyota Prado TX jeep and evaded duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 6,415,255.
During the hearing, investigation officer informed that a team was constituted after receiving credible information and the team found the Toyota Prado was parked on the road near Zainab Market. The occupant of the vehicle, Muhammad Ali Alwani, introduced himself as a owner to the visiting team, who was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the legal possession/importation of the said vehicle, to which he shows a file containing registration and auction documents of the vehicle which revealed that documents vehicle was purchased through public auction held at MCC Port Muhammad Bin Qasim and showing the successful bidder name as Mustan Khan.
He stated that vehicle was brought to ASO/HQ and detailed examination was carried out, however, in response, the Assistant Collector of Customs (Auction) Port Muhammad Bin Qasim through a letter confirmed that the vehicle Toyota Prado Tx chassis no: NJZ120-0002890 engine no:5VZ-1633048, model 2002, capacity 3400 CC, has not been auctioned by that Collectorate and the documents provided by the claimant/owner of the seized vehicle are fake and not issued by this Collectorate. He said that on further inquiry, forensic test report received from AIG police, forensic division, confirmed that no other number has been deciphered under the present chassis serial (VZJ120-0002890).
He added that no record was found against the import of Toyota Prado Tx jeep while the Motor Registering Authority, Karachi, informed that original file of the vehicle having registration number BF-9154 has been returned to his registered owner. It shows that in light of all verification reports, it has been established that the vehicle was brought into the country through other than specific route and registered by the Motor Registration Authority Karachi on the basis of fake, forged and fabricated documents produced by the owner/occupant.
He further informed the court that there were solid evidences about smuggled/non-duty paid vehicle which was seized and case was registered against above mentioned accused in violating Section 2(s) and 178 of Customs Act 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid and notices have been issued to claimant/registered owner of the seized vehicle and investigation is in progress.
