Govt issues seizure notice for an aircraft of Anil Ambani

New Delhi: Ambani group plane today hit the airpocket with government issuing a notice for its seizure as part of tirade against the alleged customs duty evasion in aircraft imports by Corporate India.
Customs issued the notice for an estimated Rs 150 crore Global 5000 Bombarider plane belonging to the Reliance Transport and Travels Pvt Ltd for over Rs 37 crore as duty.
Till now, the authorities have seized about 10 aircraft obtained by corporate entities, including a Mukesh Ambani group firm, GMR, Oberoi and Indiabulls under non-scheduled operator permit, but released the same on bank guarantee and bonds.
ADA group firm Reliance Transport and Travels said immediately that though it had done no wrong, it offered a voluntary bank guarantee and indemnity bond, a move spurned by the customs on the ground that without issuance of seizure notice no such offer can be accepted.
Customs department is scrutinising over 250 corporate jets, including those belonging to Tatars, DLF and Raymonds, amid reports that different regional custom offices are issuing notices to them one by one. A spokesperson of Reliance Transport and Travels said that "RTT is a valid NSO permit holder and has responded and furnished full and comprehensive documentation regarding its aircraft.
"RTT further informed the Customs that it has complied with all existing rules and regulations," spokesperson said.
16/07/08 Snehesh Alex Philip/Press Trust Of India/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2008