New Delhi: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi got a major relief when the International Criminal Police Organization or INTERPOL rejected India’s request for issuing a red notice against him.
This means that INTERPOL will not arrest him in relation to Indian government’s request for extradition.
Modi served the BCCI in capacity of vice president, Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) as its president and is also acknowledged as the founder and architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
This has come as a major relief to Modi who has been living in London after serious charges of misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities were levelled against him in India.
The Interpol letter – dated March 24, 2017 – reads, “As of today, Mr Lalit Kumar Modi, born 29 November 2963, is not subject to an INTERPOL Red notice or diffusion and not known in INTERPOL’s database.”
It further reads, “INTERPOL is aware that in past the individual was subject of data recorded in INTERPOL’s database, yet the data was later cancelled.”
Later he posted an emotional message on Instagram thanking his family and friends. He wrote: “I just got off from a flight from Barcelona through which I sat completely numb. Just as I was boarding the flight I got the news that Interpol had finally investigated and concluded and reached a verdict in my favour with a detailed letter of rejection of India’s request for issuing of a red notice. The sword that was hanging over my head had suddenly gone. At first I did know what to do or say.”
“I Just forwarded the notice to a few people who were either involved, supported or were well-wishers without a word from me. The flight was on the runway. I shut the phone. And the whole flight I sat completely numb overcoming with so many emotions and a sense of anger at first and then a greater sense of gratitude. I had finally achieved the mantra – “that this shall pass too”. I had always in my heart known truth will Prevail,” he said.
“But never in my wildest dream think it would be so soon. I am just so thankful to my immediate family and friends and well-wishers for being there and want to say thank you for standing by me. I now can peacefully chart my next step in life. Thank you. Are over and new chapter ready to begin. It’s been 6 years 9 months and 12 days to this day and now ready for a new beginning,” Modi’s instagram post reads.
Modi had fled India about five years ago when charges pertaining to IPL money laundering came into limelight. The CBI had on August 20 sent documents to Interpol to process the red corner notice against the former IPL chief.