Rahat's Indian visa to be extended

The government has decided to extend the visa of noted Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who was detained by revenue enforcement authorities at the Delhi airport for allegedly carrying US $ 1.24 lakh.

"His visa has expired. His visa will be extended," Home Secretary G K Pillai told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi.

Pillai said Khan's passport has already been impounded and he has been asked to appear before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on February 17. "We hope that post 17th (February), there could be adjudication proceeding and we hope that the matter would be resolved," he said.

Officials claimed to have seized US $ 1.24 lakh in cash and two demand drafts of over US $ 18,600, from Rahat and some of the members of his troupe on Sunday when they were planning to catch a flight to Dubai for onward journey to Karachi.

Carrying enormous amounts of money without declaration is an offence under customs rules and could attract charges under Foreign Exchange Management Act.