KARACHI: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Court sent suspects Samiullah son of M Khalid, proprietor of M/s Lucky Diamond Enterprises and Kashif Hussain son of Kazim Hussain to Central Jail on judicial remand in M/s Khurram Steel Mills tax evasion scam.
On 18 September 2019, investigation officer produced the above mentioned suspects and investigation officer moved application through prosecutor of NAB for seeking further physical remand of the suspects for investigation.
He submitted that accused Samiullah and Kashif were arrested and during previous remand they also highlighted the names of customs officers involved in this crime.
On the other hand, Shaukat Hayat advocate appeared and filed power along with written objection on behalf of importer of goods against M/s Khurram Steel Mills pertaining to the period of 2016 and said the alleged transaction took place in August 2016 and all GDs invoices and bill of ladings were not yet produced in court and same subject was also subjudice before the customs court.
He further argued that investigation officer has not produced a single document to connect the applicant with consignment of import which bears the signature of accused, though NAB investigation conducted with the accused from 26 August to 12 September 2019, but not a single document has been produced by the NAB IO.
After the hearing, court observed in its order that “arguments heard on application filed by present investigation officer from in open court, the IO is rebuttal to defence arguments and has failed to supply a single document of import which bears the signature of accused persons neither he produced bill of lading or letter of credit showing the consignment details and number, in rebuttal to show that from the matter which is subjudice before the customs court. IO has failed to produce diaries of last remand so it does not justify for 14 days further remand. Both accused also claimed that NAB, through threats and pressure, obtained their signature on plea bargain application, since the IO has failed to show any strong and cogent ground for obtaining further physical remand, therefore, custody of accused persons cannot be given to him for further remand”.
