UNI

Mumbai, Aug 27: The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has levelled serious allegations against Bollywood star Sushmita Sen, in the Bombay High Court, saying that she has tried to cover up a benami transaction after tax evasion in importing her new Toyota Land Cruiser came to light.

Sushmita has claimed possession of the vehicle, saying that she had advanced some money to importer Vasu Thamala and Thamala in return had hypothicated the vehicle to her. But, an affidavit filed by MCGM vigilance officer Satish Rana alleges that the claim was completely false as the addresses of the alleged importer Thamala has been found to be non-existent.

Rana has further alleged in his affidavit that, though the car was declared as used one while obtaining customs clearances, it was declared new while registering with the Road Transport Officers office. For this purpose, it goes on to disclose, false chasis number on the bill of entry with customs and purchase price of the vehicle shown as US$6000, instead of estimated US$36000.

The affidavit further alleges that, though the car was imported to Chennai and was brought to Mumbai, a false declaration was given to RTO that the vehicle had not come via migration from another state.

Sushmita has moved the high court challenging MCGM's decision to levy 10 times fine while charging octroi on the Land Cruiser.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice DY Chandrachud on Monday reserved orders on her petition. Stating all these disclosures, MCGM counsel CU Singh contended that the actress has not come to court with clean hands and requested the court not to excercise its discretionary powers in her favour.