“We have completed taking statements Thursday and are calculating value of the seized goods,” investigation officer with the department Gopi Koirala told Republica. He said the fact that DSP Panta evaded customs has been established beyond doubt.[break]
DSP Panta, who was returning after spending six months at the Tatopani Customs Base, was arrested in Dhulikhel, along with eight other APF personnel, with unaccounted 761 cell phone sets of different brands, 20 sets blankets and two LCD TV sets.
“Though he has denied owning the goods, the statement of eight others and evidences establish his involvement in smuggling,” Koirala stated.
The blankets and TV sets have not been in the purview of investigation but the finding of mobile sets in such a large number have drawn attraction of the department.
The department said Panta, if found guilty, will be fined the total value of the seized goods, an additional fine of Rs 100,000 and sentenced to a year in prison.
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