The sessions court in Panvel has granted regular bail to Harshit Mahesh Shah, a partner in M/s Vortex Speciality Foods LLP, who was arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling of dry dates from Pakistan, disguised as UAE-origin goods to evade customs duty.
The bench of Judge S.R. Ugale, Additional Sessions Judge, Panvel, observed that although the case involves serious allegations, the key evidence is primarily documentary and digital—already in DRI’s possession. The court noted that the Bombay High Court had already directed provisional release of the seized goods against a bank guarantee of Rs. 7.8 crore, ensuring government revenue is secured.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had arrested Shah on June 26, 2025, under charges of customs duty evasion involving 36 containers of dry dates. The goods, imported via Dubai under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), were suspected to have actually originated in Pakistan. Imports from Pakistan attract a steep 200% Basic Customs Duty (BCD), which the DRI alleged was unlawfully evaded in this case.
According to the DRI, Shah’s firm declared the country of origin as the UAE, using certificates allegedly issued by UAE authorities. However, DRI officials argued that the goods were routed through Jebel Ali in the UAE to conceal their Pakistani origin. The agency also claimed that Shah could not produce credible proof of origin and had no direct contact with the original supplier, instead relying on a Dubai-based broker.
Further investigation suggested that the firm imported over 80 containers between January and May 2025, and Shah admitted he had no direct communication with the actual manufacturer, Royal Dates Factory LLC. He also confirmed payments were made to another UAE-based entity, Al Ard Al Zarkha Goods Wholesale LLC, whose owner had reportedly imported Pakistani-origin goods earlier.
DRI raised suspicions over a dramatic rise in the firm’s turnover—from ₹10 lakh in 2022-23 to Rs. 40 crore in 2024-25—indicating that Vortex Speciality Foods might be a front for a larger syndicate.
Dr. Sujay Kantawala, the counsel for the Applicant contended that Kantawala argued that the applicant is innocent. He has been falsely implicated in the case on hand. The certificate of country of origin is a verifiable and authentic document issued by the Government of UAE in this particular case verifying and confirming that the dry dates originated from the UAE. Shri Kantawala further argued that the Bombay High Court directed DRI in Civil Writ Petition No. 8248/2025 to provisionally release seized goods within seven days upon furnishing of bond and bank guarantee of Rs.7,80,00,000/- within 14 days of the order.
The court emphasized that Shah has no criminal record, has been in custody for over a month, and that further detention would serve no significant purpose. Addressing DRI’s concerns about possible witness tampering or Shah influencing associates, the court imposed strict bail conditions, including weekly reporting to the DRI office for two months, surrender of passport within three days, no change of address without prior intimation, and no contact with witnesses or co-accused
The court granted the bail to Shah on a personal bond of Rs. 1 lakh and two sureties of like amount.
The case remains under investigation as the DRI continues to probe other possible members of the alleged smuggling syndicate. The agency maintains that the full extent of the operation has yet to be uncovered.
Case Details
Case Title: Harshit Shah Vs. St Intelligence Officer, DRI
Case No.: Cri. Bail Application No.568/2025
Date: 24/07/2025
Counsel For Petitioner: Dr. Sujay KantawalaCounsel For Respondent: Advocate Nitee Punde
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