In the wake of a controversy surrounding the Padma Bhushan given to Sant Singh Chatwal, the Centre is trying to ascertain facts on the allegations of criminal complaints registered against the NRI hotelier.
"We are trying to ascertain facts," Union home secretary Gopal K Pillai said when asked about the reports that there are three criminal complaints with Kerala Police, four cases in Delhi and Kerala high courts that named Chatwal and his associates. He, however, made it clear that no probe has been ordered nor any report sought from anyone.
According to media reports, all the cases against Chatwal were filed or registered after April 2009 and in two of these cases, Chatwal was served summons as recently as last month.
The cases reportedly related to "non-payment of bills" by Chatwal to the suppliers of furnishings to his newly-constructed Kochi hotel and "criminal intimidation" of them on the night of the launch party.
