The directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) has imposed a fine of `15 lakh each on top Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his manager Maroof in connection with the recovery of undeclared foreign currency from their possession exactly a week ago. It could not be confirmed whether the duo paid the fine on Sunday only after which they would get their travel documents back.
Meanwhile, Chitresh Srivastava, the owner of an event management company and brother of Bollywood composer Adesh Srivastava, may be questioned again in connection with the case. However, none of the three visited DRI headquarters here on Sunday. There were reports that the singer and his manager planned to return to Lahore after paying their fines. Till evening, however, they were reported to be in India.
The fines were imposed by the DRI on the duo after it booked them under various sections of the Customs Act, pertaining to declaration by owner of baggage and confiscation of goods attempted to be improperly exported.
It is to be noted that Rahat, Maroof and Chitresh were detained at the IGI Airport on February 13, when they were found to be in possession of a total of $1.24 lakh that was not declared by them. Any person cannot carry more than $5,000 in cash and the same amount in other instruments outside the country without making a declaration. The trio had arrived from Karachi and were on their way to Dubai when they were detained at the airport.
The turn of events had a diplomatic background, as the Pakistani side had taken a pro-active stand urging Indian authorities not to arrest the singer and the other accused. It was believed that since the detention came in the wake of the recently resumed talks between the two countries, the Indian side decided not to pursue a criminal case against the accused persons.