Revenue officials, entrepreneurs talk surprise raid

KATHMANDU, June 19:

Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has clarified that it can raid the firms and warehouse of any business house without consultation to the entrepreneurs.

In a meeting with entrepreneurs here in the capital, the department reiterated its stand that it can raid any business firms without giving prior information to the entrepreneurs, said deputy director general at the department Rajendra Sharma Laudari, adding that the entrepreneurs agreed to cooperate with the DRI during the meeting.

The DRI raised the issue of recent attack on the employees of the department who was deployed to raid in various garment outlets in Chitwan district, he said. “The entrepreneurs said that it was indeed a mistake from traders.” However, a source at DRI said it could not raise its voice in front of the traders. “The DRI lamented with traders,” he said.

“DRI could not take a firm stand and file criminal case against the traders who had attacked employees of the department in Chitwan,” he added, saying the the department’s move not to take action against the traders involved in the attack will have adverse impact among employees.

Tension had flared up in Narayangadh, Chitwan on June 6 after local businessmen took to the streets to protest a raid by DRI officials on a local shop, saying the Department of Revenue Investigation ‘did not inform them before carrying out the raid’.

Source THT