A Rs3.2 billion fraud case took an unexpected turn as the accused secured bail with Rs100 surety bonds.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that Shahid Khawaja, a bank branch manager in Sindh, was detained without evidence of direct involvement in the fraud case. The court criticized federal tax authorities for violating established legal principles.
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Judge Babar Sattar granted bail to a co-accused in the sales tax fraud case against a nominal surety bond of just Rs100, ruling that the tax department’s criminal investigation exceeded its authority.
The court ordered that a copy of the decision be sent to Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), noting that the bank manager’s arrest lacked sufficient evidence linking him to the alleged fraud.
The court also warned that any disregard for these rulings would lead to action against the tax authority and its officers for abuse of power.
The IHC’s ruling emphasizes the need for public officials to exercise their legal and police powers in full compliance with the law.
