Businessman Samir Modi, the younger brother of fugitive former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, has once again been thrust into the spotlight — this time for deeply troubling reasons. On Thursday, September 18, 2024, Delhi Police arrested the cosmetics and retail baron at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in connection with a 2019 rape case. The arrest comes against the backdrop of years of family disputes, inheritance battles, and boardroom controversies that have kept Samir Modi’s name in the public domain.

The Arrest at Delhi Airport

According to police officials, Samir Modi was intercepted at around 10 am after returning to India from abroad. Immigration authorities flagged his arrival based on a Lookout Circular (LOC) issued by the New Friends Colony police station in Delhi.

Police confirmed that the arrest was made under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. He was subsequently remanded to one-day police custody while investigators began further inquiries, including inspecting alleged crime scenes and retrieving his mobile phone for evidence.

Allegations in the FIR

The FIR, filed on September 10, 2024, by a woman complainant, paints a harrowing picture. She alleged that since 2019, Samir Modi had repeatedly raped, threatened, and cheated her under false pretenses.

According to the complaint, Modi allegedly first approached her with the promise of career opportunities in the fashion and lifestyle industry. Later, in December 2019, he is accused of forcing himself on her at his New Friends Colony residence in Delhi.

The woman claimed that she faced continuous harassment, physical assault, and blackmail under the guise of false promises of marriage, even though Modi was already married at the time. She further alleged that she and her family received constant threats to their lives if she disclosed the abuse, adding that Samir Modi leveraged his influence and position to intimidate her while offering false assurances to keep her silent.

Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and is being led by DCP Hemant Tiwari. They are examining the sequence of events and verifying claims that incidents also occurred at Modi’s office and several hotels in addition to his residence.

Samir Modi’s Legal Team Denies Allegations

Almost immediately, Samir Modi’s legal team issued a strongly worded rebuttal, insisting the charges were fabricated. Simran Singh of Sakura Advisory, counsel for Samir, stated:

"The complaint is based on false and concocted facts and the allegations have been made with the ulterior motive of extracting money from him."

His lawyers pointed to the history of his interactions with the complainant. According to their statement, the woman was in a relationship with Modi since 2019 but later resorted to extortion.

The statement elaborated:

“She claimed to be in a relationship with Samir Modi since 2019. On August 8 and 13, Samir Modi filed complaints before various police officers for extortion and blackmail by the lady. These were supported by the WhatsApp chats between them where she asked for an amount of Rs 50 crore.”

Labeling the episode a misuse of legal provisions, Modi’s counsels further alleged:

“It is a clear case of abuse of the provisions of law and also hasty acts of the police in making an arrest without verifying the facts. We have full faith in the judiciary of our country and agencies who will not only investigate but immediately bring closure to this matter. We ask that you respect the privacy of the family at this deeply sensitive time until such matter is brought to its logical conclusion by the judiciary.”

Who is Samir Modi?

Born on 15 December 1969, Samir Modi is the youngest son of industrialists K.K. Modi and Bina Modi, members of one of India’s most prominent business families. He carved out his own entrepreneurial path while also holding key leadership roles in the family conglomerate.

• Managing Director of Modi Enterprises – overseeing diverse businesses.

• Founder of Modicare Foundation – a philanthropic initiative.

• Founder of Colorbar Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd. – one of India’s fastest-growing cosmetics brands.

• Founder of 24 Seven – a chain of convenience stores across the country.

His professional achievements have been noteworthy, but his name has also frequently been embroiled in controversies beyond business.

Longstanding Family Feud

Much of Samir Modi’s recent public attention stems from a prolonged and bitter inheritance dispute within the Modi family. Following the death of K.K. Modi, a trust deed governing the distribution of the family’s vast assets became a subject of conflict.

Samir accused his mother, Bina Modi, of sidelining him from decision-making within family companies, sparking multiple legal battles. He even approached courts to challenge what he described as the unfair execution of the trust deed.

In 2023 and 2024, the feud intensified when Samir publicly claimed threats from his mother and sought police protection. This request further underscored the fractured relationships within one of India’s most influential industrialist families.

Legal Disputes Beyond Family Matters

Samir Modi has also faced scrutiny within the corporate arena. He was previously involved in defamation proceedings initiated by independent directors of Godfrey Phillips India, a company under Modi Enterprises that produces well-known cigarette brands like Four Square and Red & White.

These disputes, alongside his family quarrels, have kept him in constant media coverage. The recent arrest adds another layer of controversy to his already complex public profile.

Why Was Samir Modi Arrested?

Delhi Police’s action on Thursday followed the complainant’s detailed accusations of rape, intimidation, and deception dating back to 2019. As per the FIR, Modi allegedly misled the woman with career promises, sexually assaulted her at multiple locations, and subjected her to harassment and blackmail under false assurances of marriage.

The woman claims she was silenced through intimidation and threats directed at her and her family. Police are now investigating these claims and attempting to corroborate evidence across all mentioned locations.

The Road Ahead

At present, Samir Modi remains under police custody while investigations continue. With the case still unfolding, the balance between allegations and counterclaims will be tested in court.

On one side are the complainant’s serious allegations of sexual assault and exploitation spanning years. On the other are Samir Modi’s claims — supported by his legal team — that the case is a fabricated attempt at extortion involving demands of up to ₹50 crore.

What is clear is that the arrest of Samir Modi has reignited media attention not only on the high-profile businessman himself but also on the deeply fractured dynamics of the Modi family, once considered one of India’s most influential industrialist dynasties.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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