Rahat likely to be slapped with a fine

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

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.