'Customs Authorities should fairly investigate and dispensed justice'.

Islamabad, September 17, 2009 (Frontier Star): Federal Tax Ombudsman, Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Suddle has asked the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to conduct investigation into the imported vehicle owned by the complaint and take disciplinary action against those custom officials who were involved in the case. This decision was taken by the FTO on the complaint of Muhammad Riaz of Bhalwal, Sargodha against the customs Authorities, Islamabad who had seized his vehicle on the plea that the vehicle was smuggled. The FTO has observed in his decision that owner of the vehicle possessed evidence of lawful import of the vehicle in the form of import documents and registration of the vehicle with the Motor Registration Authority. He has further observed that the Customs Authorities should have fairly investigated the matter and dispensed justice to the owner. The owner of the vehicle was made to suffer twice; once by the car lifters who stole his vehicle and changed its chassis number; and secondly by the Customs Authorities whose investigation miserably failed to reach the right conclusion. The FTO has recommended to the FBR to hold a formal inquiry into the failure of the Custom Officers to do justice with the complainant through their fact finding investigation at the initial stage which were later reached by the Customs Appellate Tribunal and the Honourable High Court, Islamabad. He has also asked the FBR to look into the propriety of fixing the dates of hearing in a hurry and legality of selling the vehicle for Rs. 25,000/- and ascertain whether the show cause notice and hearing were actually delivered to him. He has also directed the FBR to investigate the inefficiency and arbitrariness on the part of the custom officials and those found responsible may be dealt with under the Removal from Service (Special Powers) Ordinance, 2000. Compliance in this regard may be reported within 30 days.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)