Aizawl: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to arrive in Zokhawthar on Thursday to investigate the illegal smuggling of areca nuts, as informed by the local customs department to the Zokhawthar village council president.
This action follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by social activist Ruatfela Nu, prompting the Gauhati High Court, Aizawl Bench, to direct the CBI to investigate the illegal smuggling of areca nuts in Mizoram.
According to local reports, the Zokhawthar village council president was informed by the customs department that the CBI will be arriving and all goods from Zokhawthar are being blocked. The duration of this blockade is currently unknown.
The PIL, filed by activist and social worker Vanramchhuangi on April 29, 2024, accused the Mizoram State Government of inaction in curbing the smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar through the Champhai District. Vanramchhuangi argued that this inaction has harmed local growers, as smugglers evade import duties, allowing them to undercut local prices.
The court’s decision came in light of evidence suggesting the issuance of forged e-way bills by state GST authorities, despite no reported areca nut production in the region during the specified periods. Discrepancies were revealed between reports from the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Mizoram, which indicated a total areca nut production of 33,540 metric tons (MT) in 2019-2020, and the Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development (DASD), which reported only 10,840 MT for the same period, with no production in Champhai District.
The court also scrutinized affidavits submitted by the Customs (Preventive) Division, documenting numerous seizures of smuggled areca nuts from 2017-2018 to June 2022. Despite these seizures, the state police failed to register the petitioner’s FIR, citing non-cognizable offenses.
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However, the petitioner highlighted that offenses involving fake GST invoices fall under cognizable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as Sections 420, 468, and 120.
The court’s order mandates the CBI to investigate the smuggling allegations, focusing on the issuance of fake e-way bills and GST certificates. Mizoram has long suffered the impact of illegal smuggling of drugs and areca nuts. In 2022 alone, the areca nut farmers suffered losses of up to Rs 30 crores as a result.
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