Upset Indian businessman vows to fight deportation

Upset Indian businessman vows to fight deportation

Indian businessman Satish Sehgal yesterday vowed to fight a deportation order in court, insisting that he did not breach the state of emergency decree.

Seghal: Vows to fight ouster order

His remark came after a news report that the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) has ordered authorities to proceed with the deportation procedure.

The CMPO accused Mr Sehgal, who joined the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) rallies, of defying the state of emergency.

It was also reported he joined the blockade at the Civil Aviation Department on Jan 22.

The decree allows state authorities to deport an immigrant if there are grounds to believe the person has had a role in creating an emergency situation or stirring up unrest.

Mr Sehgal said he would turn to the courts for justice and he was confident he would get it.

He claimed he had no political agenda when he decided to take part in the PDRC's rallies.

Mr Sehgal was one of the speakers at the PDRC rallies and led protesters in the Silom business district.

He said he stopped all activities and rally stage appearances when the 60-day emergency decree was enforced last month.

Mr Sehgal said even though he appeared on the PDRC stage rallies, he never spoke ill of anyone or committed an offence which authorities could regard as unconstitutional.

He said he just asked those who had offended the monarchy to stop and called for an end to corruption which has hindered national development.

Sehgal said it was hard to believe the CMPO was targeting him and ordering his deportation.

The caretaker government had failed to acknowledge his contribution to the economy when he had served as a ministerial adviser to various governments.

''I served as adviser to the commerce minister. I represented the Thai government in trade talks with the Indian government.

''Now when I say something they don't like to hear, they are acting against me on the basis that I am an Indian. Is this fair?'' he said.

Mr Sehgal said he regards himself as a Thai despite holding an Indian passport.

He is saddened by the report about the deportation order.

He also noted that submitting a petition to His Majesty the King would be his last resort.

In defiance of the deportation order, Mr Sehgal yesterday appeared on the Pathumwan rally stage along with former senator Chirmsak Pinthong.

He said he would appear on every stage and no one could prevent him from expressing loyalty towards the monarchy.

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