“We are not able to auction the vehicles lying in the premises of our office, as the district is facing dearth of mechanical engineers, who fix their prices,” said Tikaram Bhusal, chief of the customs office.[break]
Earlier, mechanical engineers deputed in Janakpur used to conduct valuation of vehicles to be auctioned in Sarlahi district. But ever since this practice came to an end, the district has been facing problems in auctioning vehicles.
The customs office sold vehicles worth Rs 13.2 million through auctions last fiscal year. A total of 16 four-wheelers and 53 two-wheelers are yet to be auctioned by the office.
Though the customs office issued auction notice for 22 four-wheelers and 76 motorcycles last April, only 12 four-wheelers and 23 motorcycles were sold. These vehicles were auctioned as they were declared stolen or confiscated for transporting illegal goods.
Lack of proper coordination among concerned agencies, namely customs office, district administration office, police and mechanical engineer, is also delaying the auction process.
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