- In a heated family dispute over estate distribution, Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has requested police protection from the Delhi Police, citing safety threats.
- The feud over the ₹11,000-crore inheritance, after KK Modi’s 2019 passing, has escalated, with Samir Modi accusing his mother, Bina Modi, of orchestrating attacks against him.
- Samir Modi expressed grave safety concerns, alleging unprovoked physical assaults and fearing further harm or even a potential threat to his life from his mother and her associates.
- The dispute centers on alleged mishandling of family assets by Bina Modi, as Samir and his siblings Lalit and Charu Modi are designated equal beneficiaries per their late father’s trust deed.
- The inheritance at the heart of the dispute includes a substantial shareholding in Godfrey Phillips, valued at over ₹5,500 crore, along with stakes in other Modi group firms spanning various sectors.
Amidst a contentious dispute over estate distribution within the Modi family, Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has sought police protection from the Delhi Police, citing threats to his safety. The feud, stemming from the distribution of an estimated ₹11,000-crore inheritance following the passing of family patriarch KK Modi in 2019, has intensified, with Samir Modi accusing his mother, Bina Modi, of orchestrating attacks against him.
Expressing grave concerns over his safety, Samir Modi alleged that he had been physically assaulted without provocation and feared further harm or even a potential threat to his life from his mother and her associates. In a letter addressed to the authorities, he stated, “I am feeling very threatened as these people have assaulted me without any provocation and may again harm me physically or get me killed through their goons.”
The dispute revolves around the alleged mishandling of family assets by Bina Modi, as Samir, along with his siblings Lalit and Charu Modi, are supposed to be equal beneficiaries according to a trust deed executed by their late father. However, Samir Modi contends that his mother has not adhered to the provisions outlined in the deed and has taken control of the company contrary to its stipulations.
Samir Modi’s plea for police protection comes on the heels of a series of confrontations within the family, with Samir accusing his mother and her associate, Lalit Bhasin, who also serves as a board member at Godfrey Phillips, of intimidation and physical assault. Despite lodging a complaint against them earlier, Samir claims that the threats persist, with messages being conveyed through mutual acquaintances.
The inheritance at the heart of the dispute includes a substantial shareholding in Godfrey Phillips, valued at over ₹5,500 crore, along with stakes in other Modi group firms spanning various sectors. Samir Modi has escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking redress against his mother’s alleged mismanagement of family assets and her influential position within the company.
As the rift deepens within the Modi family, the unfolding drama underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding succession and estate distribution in high-profile business dynasties. With legal battles looming and familial relationships strained, the saga surrounding Godfrey Phillips’ Samir Modi and his quest for protection from perceived threats sheds light on the intricacies of family business dynamics and the stakes involved in inheritance disputes.
Moreover, the involvement of prominent personalities in the ongoing conflict, including Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin, underscores the high stakes involved and the potential ramifications for the Modi family’s business empire. The dispute not only poses legal challenges but also threatens to tarnish the family’s reputation and disrupt the operations of Godfrey Phillips and other Modi group companies.
As the legal battle intensifies and the feud shows no signs of abating, the case of Samir Modi seeking police protection highlights the complexities and uncertainties inherent in family-run enterprises, where personal and professional interests often intersect, leading to bitter conflicts and protracted legal battles.
(With inputs from agencies)
