MUMBAI: A special court on Wednesday issued a non-bailable warrant against former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi in connection with a money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Judge P R Bhavake issued the warrant as Lalit, who escaped to London in 2010, failed to respond to summons issued by the ED on July 3. The judge observed that Lalit has not cooperated with ED despite being summoned thrice. He also took cognisance of the fact that Lalit has not responded to summons in two old cases under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
While arguing for Lalit’s arrest in the court, the ED called him a potential accused. The ED is likely to issue a red corner notice against Lalit on the basis of the non-bailable warrant. Last month, Lalit’s lawyer Mehmood Abdi had denied reports that a red corner notice was already issued against the former IPL chief.
The ED has registered a case against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a criminal complaint filed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2010.
The BCCI has accused Lalit of misappropriation of funds during his tenure as IPL chief.
The ED has sought details from Lalit on his role in the deal between Mauritius-based World Sports Group (WSG) and Multi Screen Media Singapore (MSMS).
As per the ED, in 2008, BCCI had awarded 10-year media rights to WSG India for $ 642 million and MSMS for $276 million for certain geographies.