The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended Ashishkumar Maniya in Mumbai for his alleged involvement in an attempt to illegally export diamonds valued at over Rs 10 crore. The diamonds were reportedly concealed within an export consignment at the Bharat Diamond Bourse, a major trading hub for diamonds in the city.
The Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch, Airport Special Cargo, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, examined a consignment filed by Zeel Impex on Sept 8. The shipping bill declared 61.98 carats of lab-grown cut and polished diamonds valued at Rs 5.10 lakh, packed in a tin box weighing 6.8 kg. During examination, officers allegedly discovered a false-layer separator beneath which a concealed cavity contained undeclared precious cargo, including different varieties and grades of diamonds, gems and jewellery.
A three-member expert valuation panel subsequently assessed the concealed goods at Rs 10.008 crore, taking the total value of the attempted export to Rs 10.059 crore. The DRI said Maniya, in his statement recorded under Section 108 of the Customs Act, admitted knowledge of the concealed diamonds. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
He allegedly told investigators that he had been authorised by Nishant Maniya, proprietor of Zeel Impex, while export-related work was handled by Naresh Maniya. Download the TOI App.