PTI

New Delhi, May 8: Reliance Anil Ambani Group on Thursday refuted allegations levelled by Mumbai Customs that the corporate house had "smuggled" a luxurious yacht into Indian waters.

"The yacht was duly and validly brought into Indian waters after the necessary approvals granted by the Customs department," a group spokesperson said on phone.

The Mumbai Customs had levelled the allegation in an affidavit filed in Mumbai High Court.

"The allegation levelled by the department are totally baseless and will be refuted in an affidavit by the group to be filed in the Honourable High Court tomorrow," the spokesperson said.

The customs department has alleged that Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company Ammolite Holdings has violated the Customs Act by "smuggling in" a luxurious yacht, which is believed to be a gift by Anil to his wife.

"The imported luxury yacht 'Tian' was imported in contravention of Section 111(m) of the Customs Act, hence is liable for confiscation. The petitioner has indulged in smuggling by violating the provisions of the Act and in league with others to evade duties," Assistant Commissioner of Customs S R Vichare stated in reply to a petition filed by Ammolite Holdings challenging seizure of the yacht.

Ammolite Holdings has filed the petition in Bombay High Court challenging seizure of the yacht. The yacht was seized by the customs department in February for alleged duty evasion. It was bought by Ammolite Holdings last October and it has been chartered by Reliance Transport and Travels Ltd, another ADAG company.