Biratnagar, March 10
The country has lost revenue worth around 120 million rupees with customs agents in Biratnagar continuing their pendown for the third consecutive day on Thursday.
Customs Agents’ Association is on agitation after police stepped up its watch against agents involved in illegal acts.
Krishna Basnet, chief of the Rani customs office, said the agitation has brought import and export to a halt, causing a loss of revenue worth Rs 120 million.
Bijendra Parasar, chief of the association’s Biratnagar chapter, said they had no option but to launch a stir after police intervened in their work. Police said they will spare none involved in illegal acts.
“No one has the right to indulge in illegal activities, but customs agents are on agitation demanding the same,” Ganga Poudel, inspector at the area police office, said.
The dispute between police and customs agents started after the former took the truck numbered Ko1Kha 3774, which was carrying clothes, under control. Police took the vehicle under control when there was no one on board, and handed it over to the revenue investigation office in Itahari. Agent Kishor Bahadur Shahi had issued customs clearance for the cargo. Police claim that the truck driver fled the scene upon seeing them.
