CBI initiates inquiry in Rs 1.73 cr seizure

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the Rs 1.73 crore cash seizure from a customs house agent’s residence.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the Rs 1.73 crore cash seizure from a customs house agent’s residence.

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A large part of the cash, seized on February 3 from the residence of CHA Rajiv Gulati, was suspected to be belonging to four Customs officials — a deputy commissioner and three appraisers.

CBI officials on Friday visited Customs House at Ballard Pier and collected documents related to these four officials.

A senior official said the CBI took records of postings and property details of these officials.

“The CBI wanted to know where these officials had served in their career,” the official said, adding they would inquire how many years did these these officials get coveted postings.

The CBI also took details of properties owned by these officials, which are declared in the “Immovable Property Return” which every Group B or above official has to file every year.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had recovered the cash during raid at Gulati’s Andheri house.

During questioning, Gulati told the DRI that of the total amount, Rs 42 lakh belonged to him, while the rest belonged to some Customs officials. Subsequently, the DRI roped in the Directorate General of Vigilance, Customs and Central Excise to investigate the corruption angle.

The seized cash has been kept in the Customs treasury.