Trying To Extradite Lalit Modi, May Seek Red Corner Notice, Government Says

Jaipur: The Centre today said it was taking steps to extradite Lalit Modi and a Red Corner notice may soon be issued against him, even as it attacked Congress alleging that the UPA government did not build a strong case against the scam-tainted cricket boss.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore alleged here that the UPA government was just 'misleading' people on the issue of action against former Indian Premier League chief.

"During the UPA rule, only FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) case was lodged against Lalit Modi which has no provision of arrest and maximum punishment is just penalty," Mr Rathore said.

"A light Blue Corner notice was issued against him which is effective for regional airports only, then how a person sitting in London can be brought back," he asked.

A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Lalit Modi last week by a Mumbai court over his alleged involvement in financial irregularities in the IPL.

The Union minister said that it was the NDA government which is taking forward the case of Lalit Modi who he said may be deported.

"The former government did not take appropriate action in Lalit Modi case and now it is the (Narendra) Modi government which is taking action," he said.

"This government is making efforts to bring him back. Now there are possibilities that a red corner notice would be issued against him," Rathore told reporters at the party office here.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi yesterday launched a scathing attack on the External Affairs Minister Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he dared to bring the former IPL commissioner back to India for cleansing cricket.