RAVINDRA LAXMAN RAO MANE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned Counsel for the parties.

(2.) This is an application for pre-arrest bail in connection with the summons issued to the applicant in the case bearing F.No.DRI/M20/B/INT/37/2022 registered for the offences punishable under Ss. 132 and 135 of the Customs Act, 1962. The Director of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), on the basis of a specific intelligence input, conducted search and seized 5.8 kgs. of smuggled gold at Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai, on 6/5/2022. During the course of investigation, DRI conducted a search at a premise located at 403A, 4th Floor, Golden Plaza Building, Dhanji Street, Kalbadevi, Mumbai. During the search operations thereat smuggled gold in various forms weighing 37.129 kgs. with an approximate value of Rs.21.65 Crores was recovered under Sec. 111 of the Customs Act. Cash amount of Rs.23,50,256.00 was also recovered and seized under Sec. 121 of the Customs Act.

(3.) Statements of the members of the alleged syndicate were recorded under Sec. 108 of the Customs Act. One Prashant Mainkar was arrested on 24 th January, 2023. It further transpired that the said accused Prashant Mainkar alias Vikas Bhai used to parcel smuggled gold to Ganesh Jewellers, Ahmedabad through Angadia Services of Patel Vishnubhai Kantilal and Company. A statement of one of the Directors of the said company came to be recorded. It transpired that the melted gold received in the name of Ganesh Jewellers was, in fact, handed over to Ravindra Laxmanrao Mane, the applicant, who is the proprietor of Gopnath Jewellers located at Ratan Pole, Mirchi Pole, Ahmedabad. Receipts of smuggled gold delivered to the applicant were also handed over by the said Director. Further arrests were made. Those co-accused also revealed the complicity of the applicant. Hence, a summons was issued to the applicant under Sec. 108 of the Customs Act.