Customs seize 2 RIL aircrafts for duty evasion

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has come under the scanner of the Customs Department, reports CNBC-TV18.

The Department has siezed 2 aircrafts bought by the company, and is alleging that RIL evaded duty of over Rs 57 crore, on these aircrafts.

According to the Central Board of Excise and Customs, or CBSC, the aircrafts were procured by the industrial group for chartered purposes, but were allegedly used for personal travel.

An aircraft imported for chartered purposes invokes a 10% custom duty, while a duty of 18% is levied on aircraft bought for personal use.

A CBEC spokesperson said that the aircraft have been released to Reliance "provisionally". A statement issued by RIL said, “The authorities concerned, as a matter of routine procedure, have sent out notices to several non-scheduled operators. Reliance is fully complying with all procedures as notified by the authorities."