Modi is not absconding says Mehmood Abdi
Mehmood Abdi, the legal counsel of former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, revealed today that his client will soon make himself available for inquiry by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) but he did add that it was crucial for Modi to remain in the
Britain capital for some more time as in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, there was a threat to his life.
In response to the show cause notice of Regional Passport Office to Modi, advocate Abdi said that his client’s passport should not be terminated as Modi had sought elucidation from the issuer of notice as to when the time limit for reply
expires.
"We have also asked the RPO what documents they have relied on while issuing the notice on October 15," said Mehmood Abdi.
Modi’s lawyer further added that before replying to the notice, his client must know what was the reference of ED to the Regional Passport Office, following which the show cause notice was issued.
The notice, which was issued on 15th October and reached Modi on 20th, wants a reply from the suspended IPL commissioner within 15 days of its issuance, but Abdi has a point that the 15 days period should start from
the date of receipt. "So according to us, the deadline expires on November 4. We have sent a letter to the RPO seeking clarification on October 26, but there has been no reply," he said.
Abdi said that his client will definitely come back to India, though he could not confirm the date. “Till the situation doesn't alter, he would prefer to stay outside India. He has a threat to his life," said Abdi in response to the RPO’s
show cause notice. The notice seeking Modi to explain why his Indian passport should not be cancelled was sent on October 13 and the deadline to respond was to end on Thursday 28th October.
Lalit Modi was suspended by the BCCI soon after the conclusion of IPL3 leveling the corruption charges against him. Mr. Nirupama Rao, the Foreign Secretary of India, had also warned to cancel Modi's passport if he does not respond to the
charges of corruption leveled against him.
Speaking on Thursday, Abdi said, "We want more time for our own interest. Modi is available for question. He is communicating from London. He is not absconding, has no reasons to be absconding. He has given explanations time to time."
The accused had earlier offered to make himself available in Britain capital for questioning by the ED, with an offer of bearing the travel charges of ED officials.
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