What Led to a Five-Year Sentence for a Former Customs Inspector in a Rs 32 Crore Fraud Case?
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Synopsis
A former Customs Inspector and an accomplice have been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding the government of Rs 32.28 crore. This shocking case highlights serious breaches of trust within government institutions and the severe penalties for such crimes. Read on to uncover the details of this scandal.
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals sentenced to five years for fraud.
- Rs 32.28 crore in duties evaded through criminal conspiracy.
- Significant fines of Rs 5.53 lakh imposed.
- Case highlights the need for accountability in government agencies.
- Fraud involved forgery and impersonation.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 17 (NationPress) - A CBI Court in this city has sentenced a former Inspector of Central Excise & Customs, along with a private individual, to five years in prison concerning a Rs 32.28 crore fraud case.
The court found Kalaka Ramdas, the then Inspector of Central Excise & Customs from the Srikakulam Range, guilty, alongside Polaki Janakiram, a private citizen.
This case dates back to 2005, and at the time the charge sheet was filed in 2008, Ramdas held the position of Superintendent in the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Central Excise in Visakhapatnam.
The CBI reported that the court also found Janakiram, hailing from Vandragi village in Srikakulam district, and his company, Sri Balaji General Trading Company, guilty. A total fine of Rs 5.53 lakh was imposed on both convicts.
The investigation began on August 30, 2005, following a complaint about a criminal conspiracy to defraud Excise and Customs. Janakiram allegedly impersonated Palla Kesava Rao and established a firm under the name of SBGTC (Sri Balaji General Trading Company). By using forged signatures of the fictitious Kesava Rao, he applied for a trading license, import, and export code at VSEZ, Visakhapatnam, and declared his premises as a Warehousing Station under the Customs Act.
According to the CBI, Janakiram, while impersonating Kesava Rao, acquired duty-free goods from three firms in Maligaon and fraudulently cleared them for deemed export to three firms in Mumbai, violating EXIM Policy guidelines in collusion with Ramdas and others. This resulted in a cheating of Rs 32.28 crore in Excise and Customs Duty.
The CBI completed its investigation and filed a charge sheet on August 29, 2008. After the court's ruling, both Kalaka Ramdas and Polaki Janakiram were taken to Central Prison, Visakhapatnam.
Point of View
This case underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in government operations. The significant penalties imposed reflect a commitment to upholding the law and maintaining the integrity of public service. The Nation stands firm in its support for justice and the rule of law.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the fraud amount in the Visakhapatnam case?
The fraud amount in the case was Rs 32.28 crore.
Who were the individuals sentenced?
Kalaka Ramdas, a former Customs Inspector, and Polaki Janakiram, a private individual, were sentenced.
What was the outcome of the court's decision?
Both were sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs 5.53 lakh.
When was the case initially registered?
The case was registered on August 30, 2005.
What role did forgery play in the fraud?
Janakiram forged signatures to impersonate a fictional character to apply for licenses and permits unlawfully.
