KARACHI: The Customs Court issued notice to special prosecutor of customs department and called police papers from investigation officer on pre-arrest bail petition filed by Muhammad Ismail of M/s Khalid Sanitary Supplier, booked in a case of tax evasion of Rs142.08 million.
On May 16, 2019, counsel for the suspect moved pre-arrest bail petition and argued that no loss has been caused to the exchequer, when other material/goods of the petitioner are lying under custody of the customs department, applicant is old man of ailing health as such unjust arrest of the applicant shall not hamper his health and dignity but will spoil dignity and respect of the entire family among the social/relatives circle in addition to the loss caused to the reputation of the applicant and his family among the business circle.
He submitted that in view of the above, it is humbly prayed that his court may kindly be pleased to admit the applicant/accused on bail before arrest in the larger interest of justice.
Earlier, investigation officer of Appraisement West submitted first information report before the court against M/s Mohammad Trading Company, Muhammad Ismail of M/s Khalid Sanitary Supplier, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, proprietor of M/s Friends Enterprises and Tariq Ghanchi, partner/ owner of M/s Iqra Enterprises and informed the court that an information was received to the effect that warehoused consignments of ceramic/ porcelain tiles imported have been removed illegally from the warehouse without payment of customs duty and other leviable taxes, with the active connivance of the staff of bonded warehouse, importers and their accomplices.
He further submitted that during the search and checking record, it was found that consignments of tiles of aforesaid importers warehoused in the bonded warehouse revealed that 267523 SMQs were found illegally removed from the warehouse without payment of leviable duty and taxes amounting to Rs151 million.
He further said that during the investigation, it was established that aforesaid importers have illegally removed bonded goods evading thereby leviable duty and taxes to the tune of Rs142.08 million. He argued that investigations are underway and progress report would be submitted on next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of 32, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 97, 98, 104, 107, 111, 116 and 192 of the Customs Act, 1969 and other relevant section and laws.
