Interpol asks for more evidence to issue red corner notice against Lalit Modi

Lalit Modi is currently based out of Malta

Interpol has questioned the Indian government’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) on why should there be a red corner notice against Lalit Modi, The Indian Express reports. The international police organisation also requested the ED to provide them the full details in the case against the former IPL chief.

The latest development in the never-ending Lalit Modi-IPL scam saga means India’s attempt to extradite the 49-year-old will take longer than expected. ED have registered a total of 16 cases against Modi and 15 of them come under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and one under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Last month, Modi had shared a copy of his lawyer’s email stating that Interpol had agreed to hear his version of the story out, before making a move against him. The email stated: “Further to my earlier message, I reiterate that Interpol concedes that it will not act on any request from India on LKM without allowing us to be heard first. This unprecedented decision of Interpol means that if the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India is indeed asked by the enforcement directorate to issue a red notice against Mr Lalit Modi and this request will be sent to Interpol headquarters in Lyon, Interpol Lyon would contact us first to react to this request.”

According to sources, a letter dated August 20^th turned up on the ED doorstep questioning their move, regarding the extradition. They have asked for intricate details and under which offence the case has been registered. One crucial aspect of the letter required the ED to comment on why the case took so long to solve and why there was a delay in proceedings.

If the red corner notice is issued, it will allow Interpol to extradite Modi from Malta to India. A senior office from the ED, who is dealing with the Interpol said: “Interpol has no locus standi in asking any sovereign nation for details of investigation once the nodal agency, in our case, the CBI, submits requests for issue of a Red Corner Notice. Interpol is a mere facilitating agency. It is also unheard of that Interpol gives an opportunity for submission to someone who is a subject of RCN.”

The ED in response has claimed to have forwarded all the necessary documents and evidence to Interpol for Modi’s extradition and they are expected to reach a decision by end of September.