Date:13/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/13/stories/2003021304261100.htm

National

Rastogi deported from Dubai

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI FEB. 12. The Central Bureau of Investigation has secured the deportation of an economic offender, Ravindra Rastogi from Dubai. Mr. Rastogi was wanted for his alleged involvement in fraudulent drawal of duty drawback to the tune of Rs. 43.66 crores for export of bicycle parts to different countries.

He was arrested in Dubai on the basis of a Red Corner notice issued by the Interpol and deported on a request by the CBI in September last. The authorities in Dubai informed the CBI of his detention and their willingness to deport him to India. A senior CBI officer went to Dubai and brought Mr. Rastogi to Mumbai last night.

During 1995-96, 14 Delhi-based companies and firms exported bicycle parts to Russia, Hong Kong and other countries at exorbitantly over-invoiced FoB export value with a dishonest intention to cheat the Government by claiming excess custom duty drawback, official sources said.

The fraud and the role of Ravindra Rastogi and three of his brothers — Narendra Rastogi, Virendra Rastogi and Subhash Rastogi — came to light when three of their consignments were intercepted and checked at the Chennai port by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

Subsequent investigation into their exports from the Mumbai port revealed violation of several laws, including the Indian Penal Code.

The CBI registered three cases in Chennai during 1999 and seven in Mumbai during 2000 against them on a reference from the Vigilance, Directorate of Customs.