Bhubaneswar, June 1: The trade practices of the public-sector aluminium giant, Nalco, are likely to come under intense scrutiny following the seizure of two trucks carrying unaccounted aluminium at Dhenkanal.

The seizure was made in March by Central Excise Commissionerate in Bhubaneswar. It was found that the metal was in excess of the invoice, and without relevant documents. The department, a few days later, seized 4,100 tonnes of unaccounted metal worth Rs 26 crore from Nalco smelter plant at Amugul.

The public sector major was charged with suppression of production and clandestine sale of the metal to evade excise duty.

In 1992-93, the excise officials had nabbed a similar consignment of metal at Visakhapatnam. Nalco executive director (material) B Pahadi dismissed the allegation of illegality. He claimed that it was not unusual for the company to stockpile the metal in large quantities.

The excise officials, however, are not inclined to buy Nalco's explanation.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.