ED unlikely to accept Lalit Modi's request for questioning in London

While Modi has been maintaining that he had always cooperated with the ED and that he is ready to appear before the agency personally in London or through video conferencing, the agency is likely to put its foot down and ask him to appear before it in India.

"Going to London to question him is not possible. He has to come back here. We are hopeful that he will understand and come here," official sources said. Asked if the ED will revoke Modi's passport, the sources said revoking his passport is a long process but this option will be exercised if Modi continued to evade his appearance.

Incidentally, an international Blue Notice Alert was issued against Modi recently by the ED for alleged "serious contraventions" of the foreign exchange law in the IPL tournaments.

The 'Blue Notice' is issued through the Interpol to collect additional information about a person's identity or activities in relation to a crime. Modi, responding to the reports of the notice, had said "no show cause notice alleging any irregularities regarding Foreign Exchange has been served" on him by the ED.

"The Enforcement Directorate had addressed communications to Modi to present himself with documents. He has always co-operated with the department. He has furnished the Enforcement Directorate with copies of all required documents which were available with him," a statement released by Modi recently had said.