KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi on Tuesday directed investigation officer to complete investigations and submit final charge sheet against Shah Muhammad Lali & others, who assaulted the staff of customs department and escaped during checking.
During the hearing, investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Anti-Smuggling Organization Hyderabad submitted first information report and informed the court that during a routine checking by ASO squad led by inspector Tariq Ahmed Khanzada and Inspector Abid Ahmed intercepted a 10 wheeler truck bearing registration number TKB-179 at Mian Shafiq Petrol Pump near Hala Naka at National Highway and driver was asked to produce the documents where he produced the bilty which was in the name of Bashir Ahmed.
He submitted that on inquiry the diver informed that the goods are property of Shah Muhammad Lali, the truck was inspected and was reported to be containing “Pan Parag” and foreign cigarettes. While the driver was being questioned, 4 vehicles approached and engaged the customs staff in very aggressive manner, showing prohibited arms and engaged the customs staff in very aggressive manner. One of the persons who was leading the assailants identified as Shah Muhammad Lali, along with 6 other armed persons physically assaulted the customs ASO staff and during the scuffle, the driver managed to take the truck loaded with goods.
He further informed the court that the act of culprits is the violation of section 2 (s) 16, 158, 161, 164, 167, 168 & 178 of customs act, 1969, punishable under clauses 8 (l) 85, 89 of section 156 (i) of customs act, 1969, the offence further invokes provisions of CRPC and PPC (will be invoked during investigation).
He argued that further investigation is underway and progress report will be produced before the court. After the hearing, the court directed him to complete investigation and submit final charge sheet on next date of hearing.
