26 Surat excise officers put off the hook

The Central Excise Department has revoked the suspension of 26 officers, suspended in connection with the Rs 15 crore excise rebate scam.

Talking with media on Tuesday, Sushilkumar Solanki, excise commissioner, Surat - I, said, "Forty two excise officers of Vapi, Vadodara and Surat were suspended on December 3 for their prima facie involvement in sanctioning of fraudulent rebate against export of textile goods. A meeting to review the suspensions was held on Saturday, during which it was decided to revoke the suspension of 26 officers."

"Out of these 26 officers, 14 are superintendents, nine inspectors, while three are tax assistants. The suspension of 10 superintendents and 6 inspectors, has been upheld and extended by a further 90 days," he informed.

The commissioner said that the main reason for revoking the suspension of these officers is that the department has to pay them a substantial allowance even though they do not have to do any work, and hence it is better to revoke their suspension.

"From the prima facie evidence, these 26 officers were found to be less involved in the scam. However, as the inquiry into the rebate scam is in progress, these officers would be posted outside Surat till the inquiry is complete. These officers would also be kept away from sensitive posts," Solanki said.

"A decision regarding the posting of these reinstated employees would be taken in a day or two," he added.

In reply to a query, the commissioner said, "The decision regarding revoking or continuing the suspension of the two assistant commissioners and the two deputy commissioners, who were suspended in the same connection, would be taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes."

It is worth mentioning here that 35 firms, who submitted fraudulent claims for rebate on export of textiles on the basis of bogus export documents, are being investigated by the Excise department.

Thirteen persons have so far been arrested in this connection. Out of Rs 15 crore of fraudulent withdrawal, the department has recovered Rs 2.50 crore from the fraudsters.