Lalit Modi's Vanuatu Citizenship Revoked Amid Allegations
The revocation of Lalit Modi's Vanuatu citizenship has significant implications for his future, including his residency status in the UK, and may pave the way for Indian authorities to renew their efforts to extradite him, amidst ongoing allegations of corruption during his tenure as IPL chief.
Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chief, has had his Vanuatu citizenship revoked, just days after it was confirmed that he had obtained citizenship of the Pacific island nation. Modi, who is wanted by Indian authorities for alleged corruption, had denied all allegations and has been living in the UK for 15 years.
The revocation of Modi's citizenship comes as a significant development in the long-standing saga surrounding his alleged involvement in corruption during his tenure as IPL chief. Indian authorities have been attempting to extradite him, but Vanuatu's lack of an extradition treaty with India had posed a significant hurdle. With his Vanuatu citizenship now revoked, Modi's residency status in the UK may be affected, as he had surrendered his Indian passport in London.
Modi has consistently denied the allegations against him, terming them "media fiction" and accusing Indian authorities of spreading "fake news". He had also shared photos of his time in Vanuatu, describing the country as "beautiful". However, the Vanuatu prime minister's decision to cancel his citizenship suggests that the authorities may have found some merit in the Indian government's requests for cooperation in the case.
The development is likely to have significant implications for Modi's future, particularly with regards to his residency status in the UK. If his Indian passport is cancelled, he may become an illegal alien in the UK, further complicating his already precarious situation. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Modi will respond to the revocation of his Vanuatu citizenship and the potential consequences that may follow.
