Crime reporter
Islamabad:A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Monday summoned FBR Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial and involved tax officers in handcuffs if they don’t submit their remarks regarding the recent theft of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 250 million from a customs warehouse.Officials representing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed the committee that notices had been issued to tax officers, the warehouse owner and the FBR chairman to submit their responses on this case.Senator Talha Mahmood directed that if they fail to appear by April 2, they should be immediately arrested. He also demanded that FBR officials and the FBR Chairman be brought before the committee in handcuffs if necessary.Lawmakers criticized this habit of officials holding high-ranking posts who avoid attending such meetings.Senator Talha Mahmood revealed that the Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue purchased a house shortly after the cigarette theft. The committee also ordered that all evidence related to the tobacco company and all vehicles used in the crime be thoroughly documented, with the company owner to be arrested by April 2 if he doesn’t appear before the committee to provide an explanation on the case.The committee vowed strict action against anyone obstructing the process.FIA Deputy Director Afzal Niazi confirmed that substantial evidence has been gathered regarding the involved tobacco company and the vehicles used in the smuggling operation.
