AN East Lancashire businessman charged with "cheating and dishonesty" in India has been released on bail - but barred from leaving the country.

And his distraught family have declined to comment on the matter for fear of jeopardising an early homecoming.

William Bedford, a 48-year-old factory owner, of Billington Avenue, Rawtenstall, was arrested when he touched down at Madras Airport last month.

He was taken to Bangalore and charged with "criminal business deception" and "cheating and dishonesty" over the collapse of a deal with a former business partner.

Now Mr Bedford, whose firm makes mobile telephone pouches, has been granted bail and his family - including daughters who live in Clitheroe and Accrington - had hoped to see him home yesterday.

But the Indian Court has confiscated his passport and said he cannot leave the country without its permission, Foreign Office sources have said.

Although the British High Commission in Bangalore - which Mr Bedford visited yesterday afternoon - is keeping a close eye on his personal welfare, it cannot intervene in what is essentially a business dispute. The court case stems from a dispute between Mr Bedford and his former supplier Mr Bhatia who claims he is owed money.

Mr Bhatia has said he would be prepared to allow him to go free for a payment of £30,000, but it is uncertain that the Indian courts would free him if the payment was made.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has called for the Foreign Office to intervene and said the demand for £30,000 was close to "blackmail".

She has promised to do all she can to get him freed, but Mr Bedford is adamant that he he does not owe Mr Bhatia money and said he is owed money himself by his Indian former partner.

It is believed that the case could take months to make its way through the Indian courts.

When Mr Bedford arrived at Madras Airport to set up a deal with a new supplier, Mr Bhatia was waiting with police to arrest and charge him.

Mr Bedford's family have declined to comment for fear of jeopardising his homecoming.

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