That the government would surreptitiously request Interpol to withdraw its Red Corner Notice (RCN) on Mr Quattrocchi before it demitted office was only to be expected as it was the last instalment in the repayment of its debt of gratitude to the powers-that-be. The submission of the CBI to the court raises many questions. It requested Interpol to revoke the Notice on November 25, 2008 and the latter obliged it in December. Why did the government keep the matter under wraps for such a long time? Why was Parliament not informed of this? Since the matter was in the public domain, why did Interpol not announce its cancellation of the RCN? Was it due to a request from the Indian government? What was the urgency in terminating it earlier when the elections were to be held soon? The CBI now wants time to consider other options to pursue the case against Mr Quattrocchi! Should it not have examined those options before letting Mr Quattrocchi roam (no pun intended) around the world without let or hindrance.
A Seshan, via email