Rs2.2 cr assets recovered from customs officer

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers recovered gold biscuits, fixed deposits receipts (FDRs) and other assets totalling Rs2.2 crore from the office and residential premises of Tapan Chakaravarti, an assistant commissioner of customs at the Nhava Sheva Port.

CBI spokesperson G Mohanti said the raid was carried out following the arrest of Chakaravarti on charges of corruption and possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The CBI found 1.9 kg of gold biscuits, Rs31.76 lakh in cash, FDRs worth Rs49 lakh, shares and other securities worth Rs60 lakh besides documents relating to three flats worth Rs40.56 lakh in the name of his wife.

The premises of a customs appraiser, Subhash Yadav, an accused in the case, was also searched. The CBI found statements of seven bank accounts with a balance of Rs10 lakh, a flat worth Rs12 lakh, FDRs worth Rs1.98 lakh besides cash amounting to Rs1.87 lakh and jewellery worth Rs5 lakh.

The CBI had registered a case following allegation that the two officials, in conspiracy with two customs house clearing agents, levied less custom duty than was originally due. Chakaravarti is in police custody while Yadav is in judicial custody.