Investigation launched as smuggled tomato consignment evades destruction in Uttar Pradesh

A comprehensive investigation has been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the release of a smuggled tomato consignment by customs officials in India. The consignment, weighing approximately 3 tonnes and valued at Rs 4.8 lakh, was apprehended on July 7 near Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district by a joint team of police and Sashastra Seema Bal. As per regulations, it was handed over to customs officials for destruction, along with two vehicles involved in the smuggling operation.

However, allegations have surfaced suggesting that the customs officials released the tomatoes, only for them to be intercepted along with the two vehicles at the Samptiha police outpost a day later. Customs personnel defended their actions, claiming that the tomatoes had been destroyed and the seized vehicles were unrelated. Nonetheless, CCTV footage from toll plazas and road crossings painted a contradictory picture. Subsequently, the Lucknow headquarters of the customs department was promptly informed of the situation.


In Uttar Pradesh, tomatoes are currently being sold at Rs 160 per kilogram, while in Nepal, their price ranges from Rs 62 to 69 in Indian currency. Traders and individuals residing in border areas frequently cross over to acquire essential goods.

According to Indian laws, there's a Rs 25,000 limit on the value of commerical goods that can enter the country.

On Thursday, Lucknow's Customs Commissioner - Aarti Saxena - launched a probe into the matter. To ensure a fair probe, six officials stationed in the border area have been temporarily reassigned to their headquarters, and will likely remain there for the duration of the investigation.