Pakistan

Rahat likely to be slapped with a fine

Indian govt seems to have found no conclusive evidence of money-laundering.

Aditi Phadnis February 16, 2011

NEW DEHLI: Although Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s troubles with Indian law-enforcement authorities may have abated as a result of the impulse to protect the nascent thaw in India-Pakistan relations, his earnings from his concerts in India might amount to nothing.

On the sidelines of a book launch function, Indian Home Secretary GK Pillai said that after Rahat appears before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday, the government may begin adjudication proceedings. This means that Rahat may have to pay a fine for attempting to smuggle money out of India. Criminal charges might not be pursued against him and he may get off by simply paying a fine.

This suggests that the government has found no conclusive evidence of money laundering against him, although inquiries are still on.

Rahat’s visa will be extended to enable him to complete legal formalities. The exact contours of the case against him will be known over the next 48 hours when the government’s inquiries determine who was more culpable – Rahat or his Indian and Pakistani managers.

Because the spotlight was on Rahat and there was sustained pressure on the Indian government to ensure justice was done, Rahat is being treated with respect and consideration. Those caught smuggling foreign currency in violation of India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema) have known to have stayed in detention for weeks. In India, Fema violation is a civil offence and Rahat could be in serious trouble if the case is taken up by the Indian authorities under money laundering laws instead of Fema.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (19)

Gulkhaiz | 13 years ago | Reply What is the big deal if Rahat has been caught red handed ?He has to go through the legal process.He is stupid and should have known that no country allows illegal transfer of money.Even illiterate laborers travelling to forth to middle east are aware of the travel laws. Mostly, people are sympathetic to him because of his standing as a singing maestro in the film industry. He should not have abused the love which people shower on him. People like Rahat should understand that they are icons in their field and are suppose to demonstrate exemplary behavior in all walks of life at all times. No body is against him. He is his own enemy. Moreover I personally appreciate the Indian customs for looking after the interest of their country. I wish we also emulate their responsibility and effectiveness. Anyway, once he is out he should apologize from everyone, for his conduct unbecoming, and carry on with his singing.

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Rehan - If you don't like music, then don't listen to it. But don't abuse it by saying it is haram and let folks enjoy who adore music. Similarly if you don't like Basant or Saraswati worship then keep away from it. No one will stop you but let others do it for whom it matters. However in relation with both the above instances you should object if somebody tries to push their act on you since you don't believe in those acts. Till then you need not to get concerned.

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Rehan | 13 years ago | Reply Music is haram, like Basant it is nothing but Saraswati worship in disguise.

Rabid Indian | 13 years ago | Reply Phew ! This is the only topic where Indians and Pakistanis have agreed on something ! Nice to see. Thanks Rahat for the crime !

farrukh | 13 years ago | Reply It seems Indian Government is following its laws, the star has violated the LAW, hence blaming the authorities is not fair. Probably some of our stars have become so used to violations of laws in Pakistan due to laxity on part of a regime in Pakistan who conveniently choose to ignore implementation of Tax and Foreign Exchange rules. The fact that he is free is a blessing and he should consider himself lucky, if he is fined only and there are no criminal investigations on account of money laundering. He should count his blessings coz he is a star and refrain from doing so, back at home as well

Cosmo | 13 years ago | Reply @Perwez Abbas: Well, is that the best you could think... Earlier it were the Indian Bookies who framed the three innocent Pakistani Cricketers and Now the Indian manager who forced the innocent Rahat to carry all those cash. Great one, keep making yourselves happy.

Bemused because I'm bored | 13 years ago | Reply @shauqat: Actually, Shafqat, money laundering is a very legitimate concern. One of the main reasons why people physically transport money across international borders - as opposed to depositing it into a bank account - is to avoid documentation and in most cases tax on income. Rahat could very easily have not paid any income tax on his earnings in India and could be carrying the money across the border. That is a CRIMINAL offence as opposed to a simple CIVIL offence. The reporter has very correctly deduced that since he's not being charged for a criminal offence, the authorities have ruled out money laundering. @Uzair Nazir - This can't be classified as either a crime, since it's a civil and NOT a criminal offence, or a sin since it isn't an offence against God either. It's annoying how people use big words without thinking about it. @Perwez Abbas - I would imagine the Pakistani manager doesn't know about the laws of Pakistan either since bringing in so many dollars into Pakistan is also an offence.

Perwez Abbas | 13 years ago | Reply I could not understand what the hell those Indian and Pakistani Managers were doing?Seems like Indian Manager did not know about his country's law.

uzair nazir | 13 years ago | Reply law applies to all.either he is poor or rich..he is star or a ordinary man.he committed a sin he should be punished

sayyed farhan ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply @Arjun:Dont took it wrong....

Arjun | 13 years ago | Reply Very glad to see that India and Pakistan (at least readers) are on the same page wrt davis and rahat.

Jeddy | 13 years ago | Reply Just because he star does not make him above the law.

Ehsan | 13 years ago | Reply Wel said mr shauqat ... i feel the same way ... He was guilty of a crime ,politicians and others are using it for media Hype. May every one get punished for there crimes.

Uza Syed | 13 years ago | Reply Rahat has committed a crime and must be treated as a criminal must. Period.

M J Akbar | 13 years ago | Reply @shauqat See...government has enough evidence to nail him.But you should understand the circumstances under which gov has released him.Still a case is pending against him.But considering his popularity and his image,Indian gov has done this. Don't forget recently a Busshist spiritual leader has been arrested in connection to foreign money.India gov has not shown any kind of liniency despite the fact that he is religious leader which has its origin from India.Cricketer H.Gibbs has not played any game in India since a case is pending against him in India. For ur kind information,economic offence is being seriously considered in India.There is a huge uproar against black money in India also and people are fed up with the secular image of Congress party. It is the good will of Indian gov towards pak people.consider it as a good will.

Adnan | 13 years ago | Reply After earning so much how does some one of his calibre try to cheat? this is another shame story after the spot fixing by the crickters.

Akash | 13 years ago | Reply It is clearly because of the new dialogue process between India and pakistan that he is free. As an Indian and a huge fan of Rahat I was pretty disappointed by his conduct. To all those who feel it is some kind of conspiracy..you are so out of touch. Even if Rahat was given huge amount just before flight he could have arranged something rather risk law. We in India almost on a daily basis hear someone's house raided or detained or resigned because of some wrong doing and it involves people from all walks of life... Wonder if Rahat was following news in India.. it would have warned him for sure :-)

Clean Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply He should face the music for violating the country laws... How dumb was that!

shauqat | 13 years ago | Reply "This suggests that the government has found no conclusive evidence of money laundering against him" I cannot believe i just read this! Since when did reporters become law experts. If i may humbly ask the Great Lord Reporter : What, Precisely WHAT has suggested to the Almighty Reporter Khuda that the government didnt find any conclusive evidence. For God's sake, the guy was caught carrying money beyond the stipulated limit! Thats the offence he was caught for. It was an economic offence and people are generally let off with the law stipulating fines instead of punishment in most cases. As was evident in this case too. Where did "MONEY LAUNDERING" come in? Its a shame that reporters who cant even understand petty cases are assigned the job of writing on it! No wonder one cant expect a picasso from a roadside street painter.

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