The Danish Government has finally agreed to discuss the extradition of Purulia arms drop case prime accused Kim Davy, months after India scaled down diplomatic relationship with Denmark for mishandling his deportation.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Justice Ministry Jens Christian Bulow will lead a six-member Danish delegation for the talk slated to be held on Thursday. The Indian delegation will be headed by Special Internal Secretary S Jayaraman. The two sides are expected to hold discussion on the ways of extraditing Niels Holck alias Kim Davy to India for facing trial. Sources said that if convicted Davy serving prison term in Denmark would also be discussed.
“They will explore the possibility of setting up a special Indian court within the Indian Embassy in Copenhagen for the trial. Earlier, Denmark had indicated for a special Indian court on a neutral ground. All these options will be discussed by the Indian team comprising officials of the CBI, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Law Ministry,” sources added.
The Danish eastern High Court, rejecting Davy’s extradition in June 2011, had expressed serious apprehension over India’s human rights record and poor prison condition.
Subsequently, the Indian Government, through diplomatic channel, had assured the Denmark Government of housing Davy in a special prison if he is convicted in the case.
In September 2012, Union Home Secretary R K Singh discussed the extradition of Davy with Indian Ambassador to Denmark Ashok Attri. They tried to convince Danish Government of challenging the order. However, it decided to freeze diplomatic ties with Denmark after Danish Director of Public Prosecution decided not to challenge High Court decision in the Danish Supreme Court.
On December 17, 1995, a Latvian aircraft AN 26 YLLDB dropped 240 AK 47 rifles, 10 rocket launchers and 81 anti-tank grenades over Purulia in West Bengal. The CBI in its investigation had said that arms and ammunition were purchased at a huge cost from two factories owned by the Bulgarian government . Five Latvians and British national Peter Bleach were arrested in connection after the aircraft was forced to land at Mumbai airport. However, Davy managed to escape from the airport.