KARACHI: The Customs Court issued notices to the Pakistan Coast Guard and special prosecutor on bail petition filed by suspect namely Asghar Ali Mallah son of Noor Muhammad Mallah, who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 600 kilogram betel nuts.
On August 7, 2018, counsel for the above mentioned suspect appeared before the court and moved petition for bail. He argued that his client is innocent and was falsely implicated in this case, how is ready to face trail and giving assurance to appear each and every date of hearing; therefore, the court may grant him bail till final judgment in the same.
According to the prosecution on credible information, Subedar Muhammad Arif intercepted a pick-up Suzuki bearing registration number KW-233 and during the search recovered 600 kilogram non-duty paid betel nuts.
Investigation officer informed that during the search, accused was asked to produce lawful documents; however, he did not produce any lawful documents; therefore, after the formalities, said goods and Suzuki were taken into custody and accused was also taken into custody.
He said that prosecution needs further investigation from said accused, therefore, court may send back to Coast Guard for physical remand and progress report would be produced before the court on next date of hearing, however, after the hearing, court sent him to jail on judicial remand and directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit charge sheet on next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, case was registered against him for violation of under Section 2 (S) R 16 and 156 (1) (8) (89) and 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.