Padma awardee Chatwal asks critics to prove his crime

New Delhi, Apr.7 (ANI): US-based hotelier Sant Chatwal, who will receive the Padma Bhushan award this evening from President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has said that he has not committed any financial fraud.

Speaking to ANI, Chatwal said: "If somebody thinks that I have done anything wrong, they should come forward and prove it."

"People go through rough and tough times and, people go through bankruptcy chapter, which is not a big thing. Even countries go through difficult times and people come out of their troubles like heroes," said Chatwal.

The US-based hotelier further said: "Anybody can go through difficulties, but that doesn't mean that you have bad intentions and are committing fraud. Political leaders should not make a big thing out of it."

Opposition BJP and certain civil society groups have been crying foul over the government's decision to give the Padma Bhushan to Chatwal. The award is the country's third highest civilian honour.

In fact, a petition challenging the central government's decision was filed, which the Delhi High Court rejected, saying proper procedures had not been followed.

Upbeat after the court's clean chit, Chatwal said: "The legal system here is very fair and, the way the verdict has come in Delhi , Mumbai and Chennai, it is a very clear that there is nothing wrong. It's an open clear verdict, I have done nothing wrong, I have worked hard for bringing both countries -- India and United States-closer.

Chatwal's claim to fame is his closeness to the US administration, especially with the Clintons (Bill and Hillary) and, he claims to have played a major back channel role in the fructification of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

Chatwal said he would not hesitate to play any role offered to him by the Government of India, if asked. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)