Vanuatu Revokes Lalit Modi's Passport Amid Extradition Controversy

Vanuatu has canceled the passport of former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi following media reports suggesting he is evading extradition to India. The decision reflects concerns over his citizenship motives after allegations of financial misconduct. Modi, now in London, denies any pending cases against him in India.

In a significant move, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat has instructed the country's Citizenship Commission to revoke the passport previously issued to former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, following recent international media reports. These reports suggest the revocation comes amid suspicions that Modi may be avoiding extradition to India.

Lalit Modi, once a prominent figure in Indian cricket as the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), faces allegations of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Having left India in 2010 during investigations into alleged financial misconduct, Modi reportedly sought Vanuatu citizenship, sparking controversy.

The Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed ongoing legal proceedings against Modi, despite no current court cases in India. Modi, who resides in London, has denied charges, attributing them to media sensationalism while highlighting his role in creating the global phenomenon, IPL.

(With inputs from agencies.)