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Illegal import of luxury cars into TN brings CBI to Chennai

33 cars were imported; some of them brought illegally, some had been sold in violation of import provisions

T E Narasimhan Chennai
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said that 33 cars were imported into Tamil Nadu and some of them were brought illegally and some of these had been sold in violation of import provisions causing a loss of upto Rs 48 crore to the exchequer.

The investigation agency today conducted raid in Chennai and other places in the state, related to the illegal import of these vehicles. While the complete list of the places, which were raided by the CBI were kept secret, DMK Supermo M Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin's house at Chennai name managed to leak out.
 
A six-member team came to Stalin's house at Chennai at 7 in the morning and searched his house for almost two hours.

It was alleged that Stalin's son Udayanidhi Stalin did not submit proper documents and taxes were paid for the car, which claim to be worth Rs 20 crore.

CBI in a statement said that “wishes to clarify that this operation was strictly in accordance with procedures and there was no intention whatsoever to target any particular individual"

It was further said 33 vehicles had been imported into Tamil Nadu and some of these had been sold in violation of import provisions causing a loss of upto Rs 48 crore to the exchequer.

A case has been registered against an importer and a senior DRI officer who misused his position, 17 imported cars have been seized and searches are still on.

The Central Bureau of Investigation registered a case under section 120-B r/w 420, 467, 468, 468 r/w 471 IPC and sec. 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC 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 upto around Rs 48 crore to the exchequer.

During the searches conducted at 18 locations today, 17 imported cars have been located and seized under Section 102 (3) CrPC.

Searches are continuing.

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First Published: Mar 21 2013 | 5:32 PM IST

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