CBI nabs former DRI official in Rs 48 cr import duty loss case

Alex C Joseph imported cars through Indian Sea Ports violating pre and post import provisions

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a former official from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) department named Alex C Joseph, pertaining to duty loss in the import of luxury cars.

According to a CBI announcement, it was alleged that Joseph imported cars through Indian Sea Ports by violating the import provisions and in this process, cheated and caused a import duty loss to the tune of Rs 48.40 crore to the government.

Pursuing a specific lead, a CBI team from Chennai, camping at New Delhi  nabbed Joseph on February 1.

On Monday, Joseph was produced before the Duty Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi, who issued a transit warrant with directions that he shall be produced within 24 hours before the Principal Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai.

Accordingly, on Tuesday, he was produced before the Principal Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai, and a petition is being filed for taking him into police custody for further interrogation, said CBI.

The CBI alleged Joseph was evading the due process of law right from the date of registration of the case and was not responding to the notices for appearance.

The Madras High Court had also turned down the grant of anticipatory bail. The accused Joseph continued to evade investigation by the CBI and was absconding.

CBI had also issued “Look Out Circular” to all Airports to apprehend him and formed various teams to trace him and it was found that he was hiding in Delhi.

Pursuing a specific lead, the CBI team of Chennai camping at New Delhi located Joseph in the Reception Hall of Hotel Taj Palace and he was immediately arrested on February 1 at about 8.50 pm.

On Monday Joseph was produced before the Duty Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi who issued a Transit Warrant with directions that he shall be produced within 24 hours before the Principal Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai.

Accordingly, on Tuesday, 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, said CBI.