Mallya extradition discussed with UK delegation

NEW DELHI: Taking off from UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s India visit, a delegation from the UK is here to hold parleys with Indian officials over extradition of over 50 people who have broke law here.

A five-member delegation met its Indian counterparts and the extradition of on-the-run liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India has been on the top of the agenda.

“A new round of dialogue on matters related to Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance was held between the officials of India and the UK in New Delhi on 20 and 21 February 2017,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a release.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa and had representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and investigating agencies, including CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and the state authorities concerned. The UK delegation was led by the Head of the UK Central Authority for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance, the UK Home Office and representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service, and the UK High Commission in New Delhi.

India had formally sent a request for Mallya’s extradition to the UK High Commission here on Feb 9. Last year the UK Government has refused to deport Mallya after his Indian passport was revoked by the government to secure his presence for the investigation against him for money laundering. Mallya also has a non-bailable warrant against him. Later Mallya’s name had also figured in the list of the 60 people that India handed over to the UK during Prime Minister May’s visit in November 2016. Britain had also sought custody of 17 people whose custody it seeks.