PANJIM: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stated that Goa State Special Public Prosecutor (GSSPP) GD Kirtani is not representing the organisation or Mahesh Desai in the case of smuggling of foreign branded cigarettes with the connivance of government officers being investigated by the organisation.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence which is an apex organisation of Indian Customs has been investigating the case in which foreign branded cigarettes were smuggled valued at Rs 5.41 crore with the help of some of its officials.
Herald on July 16 had reported that Goa State Special Public Prosecutor had alleged major discrepancies in the foreign cigarette case investigations, going to an extent of even alleging that the Assistant Commissioner of CGST in Goa, Mahesh Desai was framed in a fake case.
Taking note of the allegations, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has clarified that Asha Desai is the Government Standing Counsel in the case and representing the organisation and Kirtani is representing one of the officers under investigation, Edwin Braganza who is the Superintendent of Customs and not Mahesh Desai as reported.
Assistant Director of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence , Goa Region Lector Mascarenhas in a note to Herald has further stated “The case against Mahesh Desai and others is under investigation and a show cause notice will be issued to them very shortly for abetment and connivance in the said case.”
