Godfrey Phillips legacy war worsens as Samir Modi accuses mother Bina of assault

Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips

Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has accused his mother Bina Modi of plotting an attack on him, deepening the family feud over KK Modi's Rs 11,000-crore inheritance, The Economic Times reported.

Samir filed a complaint with Delhi Police, claiming that his mother’s personal security officer (PSO) and some Godfrey Phillips directors caused him "grievous hurt" when he tried to enter a scheduled board meeting on Thursday.

CNBC-TV18 also has access to the FIR filed by Samir Modi.

"I was prevented by Bina Modi's PSO from entering the meeting. When I insisted, he tried to push me and said that I was not allowed to enter the board meeting," Samir said. He added that despite being assaulted and sustaining a broken index finger, he attended the meeting and later sought medical attention.

A spokesperson for Godfrey Phillips denied the allegations as "entirely false and atrocious" and mentioned that the incident was recorded on in-house CCTV cameras.

Samir Modi suspects the attack was premeditated to prevent him from participating in the meeting and to pressure him into selling his stake. Despite his mother's previous offer to buy his stake, he now refuses to agree to an exit.

The dispute over the inheritance includes a significant shareholding in Godfrey Phillips and other Modi group companies.

Samir Modi has also accused his mother of not distributing funds as stipulated in a trust deed executed by his father. The legal battle over the inheritance is pending in the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies)