Customs - Illicit Import of Luxury Cars - CBI arrests key accused
IN March 2013, Central Bureau of Investigation registered a case under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in connection with a complaint that about 33 vehicles had been imported in Tamil Nadu and of these, certain vehicles are believed to have been imported and subsequently sold in violation of import provisions causing loss of up to Rs. 48 crores approx. to the exchequer.
The case has been registered against an importer and a Senior Intelligence officer of DRI who allegedly did not take any action even after identification of vehicles at the premises of certain users and unknown others. It appears that although the DRI launched a probe a couple of years ago, no action was taken to recover the tax evaded or confiscate the vehicles.
During the searches conducted 17 imported cars have been located and seized under Section 102 (3) Cr.PC.
Among the premises searched were the houses of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi's sons, M.K. Stalin and M.K. Alagiri, who was a Union Minister in the UPA government until a day earlier.
But the one who actually imported the cars Alex C Joseph could not be reached as he was evading due process of law, right from the date of registration of the said case and was not responding to the notices for appearance, issued by CBI. High Court of Madras had also turned down his repeated prayers for grant of anticipatory bail and Alex C Joseph continued to evade investigation by CBI and was absconding. CBI had also issued “Look Out Circular” to all Airports to apprehend him. CBI formed various teams to trace him and sustained efforts taken by CBI revealed that the accused was hiding in Delhi.
Pursuing a specific lead, the CBI team of Chennai camping at New Delhi located Alex C Joseph in the Reception Hall of Hotel Taj Palace and he was immediately arrested on 01.02.2014. Yesterday he was produced before the Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai and a petition is being filed for taking him to police custody for further interrogation.
What was Alex C Joseph doing in a 5 Star hotel? It seems he was there to meet an important politician. Alex, a villager with no college degree had been avoiding Customs and other law enforcement agencies for more than 25 years - all the while selling fancy imported cars to India's rich and famous. One such rich sports lover bought 11 cars from him all towed away by CBI and finally CBI got the elusive Alex - interesting stories may come out in the coming days.
Please also see 17 Imported luxury cars seized - CBI/DRI timing most unfortunate - PM in DDT 2071 - 22.03.2013.