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Controversial US hotelier's consent being sought via diplomatic channels, 16 other NRIs on list

T who HE name of Sant Singh Chatwal, the controversial US-based hotel magnate, who was, until a few months ago, facing trials for alleged bank fraud, is understood to be among those recommended by the UPA government for the January 26 Padma awards this year.

Sources confirmed to The Sunday Express that Chatwal is among the 17 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) whose names have been recommended by the selection panel and sent to President Pratibha Patil for approval.

The move to recommend Chatwal has raised consternation among a section in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) since the agency filed four chargesheets against the hotelier for an alleged $9-million fraud case connected with the State Bank of India.The businessman was even briefly arrested in Mumbai but he got bail and left the country.

Officials recall that the hotelier was acquitted by the special Mumbai court in one case in 2008 and there was a serious difference of opinion in the CBI on whether an appeal should be filed in the case or not. While top officers were for filing the appeal, the Director of Prosecution opposed them and the case was closed.

"We told the Government that there are no active cases against him now," said a key official who recently received a query from the Government on the status of the cases against him. Chatwal recently announced that his Hampshire Hotels would set up 25 hotels in India by 2011.
In the US, Chatwal is a powerful fundraiser for former US President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton.

Indian Express dated 24.1.10


















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