India Finally Tells UK to Deport Defaulter Vijay Mallya
NEW DELHI: The Indian government has formally requested the UK government to deport Vijay Mallya citing the revocation of his passport and a non-bailable warrant against him. Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines has been accused of defaulting on bank loans worth over Rs 9,400 crore.
The Ministry of External Affairs also stressed that India would continue pursuing Mallya’s deportation with the UK authorities.
Interestingly, in the case of former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, also facing money laundering charges, the ministry is yet to receive a request for extradition from the agencies concerned.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, MoS for External Affairs V K Singh said, “The MEA will take appropriate steps once the request is received.”
Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “The ministry has written to the High Commission of the UK in Delhi requesting the deportation of Vijay Mallya so that his presence can be secured for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.” He said the High Commission in the UK would also be issuing a similar note verbale to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“Mallya’s passport was revoked last week in view of these (PMLA) investigations and a non-bailable warrant issued by the Special Judge, Mumbai. We will continue to pursue this matter with UK authorities,” Swarup added.
The ED had approached the ministry seeking the initiation of deportation proceedings against Mallya, charged with money laundering in the `900-crore IDBI loan fraud case. Mallya, who left India on March 2, can approach the UK authorities to allow him to continue staying in that country or challenge the revocation of his passport.