Rahat Fateh Ali Khan stopped at IGI airport with cash in baggage

Khan was to board an Emirates flight to Karachi via Dubai (EK 517),scheduled to take off around 4 pm,when the currency was found in his baggage. Khan was here to perform at an Indo-Pakistan peace initiative.

“The questioning will go on for another five hours,at least. All the 15 are under detention. A decision on their arrest has not been taken,” a source said.

As per norms,a foreign national cannot carry more than $ 5,000 in cash and $ 5,000 in other instruments — a greater amount has to be declared to the Customs Department. A person can take out of the country an amount equivalent to what he had declared on entering.

“It is a critical decision because we all know Khan is an acclaimed artiste. He did not get the money from outside,but got it while in India. The law,however,says not declaring this amount is a technical violation,” a senior official said.

According to DRI sources,for his performances in India,Khan was paid in Indian rupees and dollars.

“Rahat and his troupe members are still being questioned. Depending on their statements and the gravity of the offence,we will decide whether to arrest them or not,” said S Dutt Majumdar,Chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs.

Khan is the nephew of legendary Pakistani sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.