KARACHI: Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has convicted two suspects, Parmanand Sawlani and Rafiq Mehdi Hassan, for a period they have already undergone, in a duty and tax evasion case of Rs 2,65 million.
Both the convicts were also fined Rs 200,000 and if they fail to pay fine amount, they will undergo further one year imprisonment in Central Jail Karachi.
During the hearing, counsel for the both parties concluded their final arguments. Counsel for the Customs Department argued that prosecution has sufficient evidences against them which have been produced before the court. He said that they are not entitle to any relief and the court may convict them as per law. However, counsel for the suspects submitted that the prosecution has not submitted any concrete evidence against his clients, who were falsely implicated in this case, therefore, the court may acquit them.
According to the prosecution, during the investigations, it was revealed that M/s Sindh Trading Karachi Bonded Store Supplies, having public warehouse license, were involved in the unlawful clearance of liquor and others bonded goods through their diplomatic bonded warehouse located at 102 BCHS, Bath Island Karachi with the customs agents M/s T.M Enterprises, Customs House Chamber, Karachi and customs staff was also involved in illegal removal of the said goods from the bonded warehouse.
The customs duty and taxes evaded by the accused in convince with each other to the tune of Rs26,56,804, therefore, case was registered for violation under section 156 (1) (14) (14A) (81) & (82) of the Customs Act 1969.
