KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) approved protective bail of suspect namely Rizwan Shaukat son of Shaukat Hussain, proprietor of Fazal & Co, who was booked in mis-declaration and tax evasion case worth Rs31,437,698.
On July 12, 2019, counsel for the accused moved protective bail application and argued that his client is innocent and was falsely implicated in this case, who is ready to face trail, however, he has apprehension of arrest, therefore, court may grant his protective bail.
After the hearing, court granted his bail against the surety of Rs5,00,000 and observed that “without touching merits of the case and considering the submission advanced by counsel for applicant, is granted protective bail for a period of seven days and directed him to surrender before the trail court within seven days”.
According to the charge sheet on a credible information was received in that above mentioned importers are involved in the clearance of imported cotton blended fabric, polyester fabric, ladies shirting/ suiting fabric, cotton embroidery, polyester embroidery, net embroidery, polyester pile/ velvet fabric, garment accessories lace, tags and by claiming undue benefit of exemption under SRO-1125(1)/2011 as manufacturers.
Investigation officer submits that on information, a team of customs department visited address of A-25, Sector 7-D/3 North Karachi on Iqra University Road, and during physical verification, although the registered person was found existent at declared address but no imported raw materials, stock was found at the premises and the capacity of the machinery found installed does not commensurate with the quantum of imports made by the unit.
He stated that moreover, neither the machinery was in working nor any labour/ worker was available at the time of visit, one electric meter was installed at the premises having average monthly utility expenses of Rs2,000 per month only.
Investigation officer said that accused persons involved in the scam of massive evasion of duty and taxes by misusing & abusing the benefit of SRO 1125(1)/2011 have jointly & severely committed and offence of mis-declaration and fiscal fraud in terms of section 32(1)(2) and 32-A and 79 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969, punishable under section 156(1) (14) and (14A) Ibid and related sections.
