KARACHI: Anti-corruption Court (Central), Hyderabad Judge Ashok Kumar Dodeeja acquitted a custom inspector Syed Momin Shah and co-accused allowing an application filed under section 249-A, Cr.P.C.
The accused were booked under section 5 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, Section 156 of Customs Act 1969 read with section 109 of P.P.C, Crime No 20/2023 registered at PS F.I.A, Hyderabad on the basis of a source report.
The FIR emanated as a result of raid conducted at the residence of accused Syed Momin Shah on 19.09.2023, House No 18, Mohalla Amil Colony, Heerabad, Hyderabad.
The raiding team recovered 68 fire arms of top class quality, ammunition, Non Custom Paid vehicles, jewelry and hunting trophies.
The trial court held that it had jurisdiction only to the extent of PCA 1947 while jurisdiction to the section 156 of Customs Act lies with the Special Custom, Excise & Taxation Court, Karachi.
The trial court also pointed out to the number of legal lacunas including the fact that source report on which entire case was made was on a plain paper.
No witness was examined by the Investigating Officer to prove that main accused Syed Momin Shah was involved in any dealing with any private person.
The prosecution miserably failed in proving its case at which the trial court acquitted the accused persons/ applicants of charge of corruption for want of evidence.
The full text of order follows:
Custom officer-acquitted-corruption case