BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd) VK Singh on Tuesday said he cannot give a timeframe for extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya from the United Kingdom (UK).
All possible steps have been taken by the Centre for Mallya’s extradition. The Ministry of External Affairs has provided all relevant documents to the UK Government which will examine them and take necessary action.
“It is not so easy. Extradition is a very complex process. If someone enters UK with a valid passport, they don’t take action against the person even if he has committed some offence outside the country,” Singh said.
Though there exists an extradition treaty between India and UK, authorities of the latter will take action only after examining relevant documents against the person concerned.
“We have provided all documents against Mallya and they are examining these documents. They may seek more clarification. Once they are satisfied with our evidence, we can bring Mallya back. But I can’t fix a timeframe for his extradition,” Singh told reporters here.
Singh, who is here to attend Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (SSSV) programme organised to celebrate three years completion of Narendra Modi Government at the Centre, exuded confidence that the liquor baron would be brought back to the country.
This apart, the Union Minister blasted Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit for his obnoxious comment on Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. Even as the Congress distanced itself from Dikshit’s remark on the Army likening him to Sadak Ka Goonda (goon on street), Singh said all should condemn this highly objectionable remark against a serving Army Chief.
“We are deeply hurt by the undesirable remark of the senior Congress leader. I appeal to the people to condemn it. The apology by Dikshit is not enough. The Congress party should tender apology to the Army which has been serving the nation with utmost dedication,” he said.
Singh, who had earlier demanded that the Hurriyat Conference be declared a terrorist organisation and its leaders be kept in prison, refused to comment on the issue saying it is the job of the Home Ministry which is under the able hands of Rajnath Singh.He, however, said everybody knows who finances them. The Government will definitely take action against these divisive forces, he added.