The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Mumbai has today sentenced S/Sh. Taufiq Hazi Gaffar to undergo seven years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 5.3 crore; Vinayak M Bhende, the then Assistant Commissioner, EOU Section, Customs to undergo two years RI with fine of Rs. 20 lakh; Vinay Kumar, the then Appraiser, EOU Section, Customs to undergo one year RI with fine of Rs. 5 lakh; Maqsood Abdul Karim Bakali to undergo one year RI with fine of Rs. 25,000/-; Rafique Khanda to undergo six months RI with fine of Rs. 15,000/- and Rouf Abdul Aziz Janoo to undergo six months RI with fine of Rs. 6,000/-.
CBI had registered the instant case on 28.06.2003 on complaint from Additional Commissioner of Customs, Special Intelligence & Investigation Branch, Mumbai against a Private Company & others including its Directors and unknown officials of Customs & Central Excise. It was alleged that the accused were found instrumental in clearing 38 consignments of fabrics under duty free 100% EOU Scheme by submitting forged procurement certificates. It was further alleged that the accused submitted forged procurement certificates valued at Rs. 4.15 crore on which Customs Duty exemption of Rs. 4.25 crore was availed. It was also alleged that the goods which were imported duty free, were diverted to local market, and its proceeds were misappropriated resulting into a loss to above extent.
After investigation, a charge sheet was filed in the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Mumbai on 27.04.2005 against the accused.
The Trial court found the said accused guilty and convicted them.
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