Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) is seeing a spurt in gold smuggling cases, thanks to the revised customs rules which lets those carrying undeclared gold worth less than Rs 20 lakh walk away with just a penalty. The rules were changed two months ago and since then 17 cases, including seven of gold smuggling, have been reported.
According to customs officials, till October, passengers held with gold or any other imported goods were let off with a penalty only if the seized property was worth less than Rs 5 lakh. (Items worth less than Rs. 35,000 are allowed without any penalty) Anything more than Rs 5 lakh used to lead to filing of a criminal case. But the limit was raised to a whopping Rs 20 lakh, resulting in many unscrupulous elements trying their luck since they are assured of not getting arrested. Even if caught, the passengers can collect the seized gold by paying the tax and penalty, which is determined by an additional commissioner rank officer.
08/12/13 Srinath Vudali/Times of India
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According to customs officials, till October, passengers held with gold or any other imported goods were let off with a penalty only if the seized property was worth less than Rs 5 lakh. (Items worth less than Rs. 35,000 are allowed without any penalty) Anything more than Rs 5 lakh used to lead to filing of a criminal case. But the limit was raised to a whopping Rs 20 lakh, resulting in many unscrupulous elements trying their luck since they are assured of not getting arrested. Even if caught, the passengers can collect the seized gold by paying the tax and penalty, which is determined by an additional commissioner rank officer.
08/12/13 Srinath Vudali/Times of India
