Who is Sarit Vij and Why Did CBI Arrest Him in a Rs 58 Lakh Customs Fraud Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant breakthrough, the CBI has arrested Sarit Vij, a long-absconding Proclaimed Offender, involved in a Rs 58 lakh fraud case linked to the Customs Department. Discover how his fraudulent activities unfolded and the efforts leading to his arrest after years of evasion.
Key Takeaways
- Sarit Vij was arrested for a Rs 58 lakh fraud case.
- He had been a fugitive since 2003.
- The CBI offered a reward for information leading to his capture.
- He changed his identity to evade law enforcement.
- The investigation highlights the CBI's commitment to tackling fraud.
New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a long-evading Proclaimed Offender, Sarit Vij, also known as Sarat Kumar Vij, linked to a fraudulent scheme worth Rs 58 lakh involving the Customs Department. An official statement from the agency revealed that a reward of Rs 10,000 had been offered for information that would lead to his capture.
The case was initially registered on June 1, 1999, against Joseph Kuok, who was then the Superintendent at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Tughlakabad, Delhi, and other accomplices, for allegedly defrauding the Customs Department of around Rs 58 lakh.
As investigations progressed, the involvement of Sarit Vij became apparent. He was a partner in the firm M/s PS International, which reportedly submitted fraudulent duty drawback claims to the Customs Department, attempting to wrongfully obtain a refund of approximately Rs 19 lakh. Following a thorough investigation, Vij was named in the chargesheet alongside other co-defendants.
However, after the chargesheet was filed in 2003, Sarit Vij failed to appear in court and went into hiding throughout the trial period. Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, he remained elusive for several years.
On January 30, 2004, after fulfilling all necessary legal protocols, the court declared Sarit Vij a Proclaimed Offender. Following this, a reward of Rs 10,000 was declared for any information leading to his arrest.
Further investigations and verification revealed that the suspect had altered his identity to Sarat Kumar Vij and was living in Noida. The CBI discovered that he had procured new identification documents, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport, under his new alias to dodge law enforcement.
Utilizing these insights, the CBI executed a meticulously coordinated operation, aided by technical analysis, and successfully apprehended the Proclaimed Offender at his residence in Noida on January 7, 2026.
The CBI continues to actively investigate fraudulent activities, leading to convictions of public servants and private individuals, with penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of the CBI's relentless pursuit of justice in cases of fraud that undermine public trust. The arrest of Sarit Vij serves as a reminder that evasion of law can only last so long. Our commitment remains with the nation, ensuring that accountability prevails in all sectors.
NationPress
10/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sarit Vij accused of?
Sarit Vij was accused of involvement in a Rs 58 lakh fraud case related to the Customs Department, where he allegedly filed false duty drawback claims.
How long was Sarit Vij absconding?
Sarit Vij had been absconding since 2003 after failing to appear in court following the filing of the chargesheet.
What led to his arrest?
The CBI utilized technical analysis and field verification to track his new identity and ultimately apprehend him in Noida.
Is there a reward for information about such offenders?
Yes, a reward of Rs 10,000 was announced for information leading to Sarit Vij's arrest.
What actions does the CBI take against fraudsters?
The CBI actively investigates fraud cases and pursues convictions, which can result in imprisonment and hefty fines for offenders.
