PANAJI
The Economic Offences Cell failed to justify further custodial interrogation of Belagavi-based tax consultant Naqeeb Mulla in an alleged Rs 10.06-crore GST Input Tax Credit (ITC) fraud, leading to his bail. JMFC Mapusa Reeha Halarnkar alias Reeha Rawal granted bail to Mulla, arrested in Belagavi on August 31.
The court noted that while Mulla was initially given seven days’ police custody, the Investigating Officer failed to show why further custody was necessary or provide sufficient grounds. The FIR, registered on January 21, followed a complaint by Imran Khatal Sab Madiwale, authorised representative of M/s I K Aeroamphibious Pvt Ltd and M/s Royal Jamo’s Resort. He alleged that Mulla misused GST credentials, data and OTPs between January 2022 and June 2024.
According to the prosecution, Mulla allegedly manipulated the GST portal to claim and transfer Rs 10.06 crore in ITC without actual supply of goods or services. Rs 7.90 crore was allegedly transferred to M/s Federal Logistics and later M/s Matrix Engineering and Services, operated by Shabbir Huseni Chunawala.
He was also accused of forging GSTR-3B screenshots and collecting money on the promise of paying government dues. The court said the economic nature of the offence alone could not justify denial of bail. Mulla was granted bail on a Rs 50,000 bond and local surety.
