ISLAMABAD, Feb 10: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Justice Saleem Akhtar, has asked the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) to initiate an inquiry against those tax officials involved in tampering of records.

The Justice observed that the board should take serious notice of the practice, which is a serious and cognizable offence under the rules.

The decision was taken on the complaint of M/s Al-Sheikh Ice Factory and Cold Storage, Faisalabad, who alleged non-service of demand notice and challan in respect of set aside assessment for the year 1996-97 and for the original assessment year of 1997-98.

According to FTO’s decision issued on Monday, the FTO said that an enquiry be conducted to determine as to how the assessment was allowed to become time barred and for making fraudulent entries in the record.

Those found responsible be dealt with according to rules, he said.

The FTO further said that the assessment said to have been framed under the section 63 on June 20, 2001 be amended so as to accept the declared returned income, which in any case has become final by operational of law.

The resultant refund, if any, be issued to the complainant and compliance report should be produced to this office within 30 days of the receipt of this order, said the FTO.