The Indian government has reportedly asked the French authorities to approve the extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya.
A report by The Indian Express quoted sources saying Mallya’s extradition was raised by the Indian government on April 15 during the 16th meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
India sought update on proposal to France to extradite Mallya
The Indian delegation, during the discussion, reportedly had sought an update on New Delhi’s proposal to France to extradite Mallya.
“The French offered a (extradition) proposal with some preconditions (but) India asked them to approve the proposal without any preconditions,” the source was quoted as saying by the daily.
The Indian delegation was led by KD Dewal, a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. It was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies.
Meanwhile, the French delegation was headed by Ambassador Olivier Caron, special envoy for counter-terrorism and organised crime.
Mallya is in UK, but why India is pursuing France?
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, an accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore, is believed to be in the United Kingdom since March 2016.
The report quoted sources saying India has been pursuing his extradition with France as well as other countries where he has property and with whom New Delhi has an extradition treaty with.
But how will this help?
With India having an extradition treaty with France and Mallya having properties there, the request would be helpful in the event that the Kingfisher Airlines promoter reached the European nation and with the help of authorities he can be extradited.
All efforts are being made by the Indian government to extradite Mallya from the UK. In February 2019, the UK Home Secretary approved the extradition. The case is now pending in the London High Court, where Mallya filed an appeal against the order. The appeal has been listed for a three-day hearing from February 11, 2020.
Charges against Vijay Mallya
Mallya, ex-chairman of United Spirits, owes 17 Indian banks an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. In India, he is facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
Mallya is still serving as chairman of United Breweries Group.
Mallya left the country on March 2, 2016, the day a clutch of public-sector banks moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal against him. In January 2019, he was declared a fugitive economic offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
Before leaving the country in 2016, Mallya wrote an open letter defending himself, saying: “All enquiries conducted have failed to find evidence of misappropriation of funds by Kingfisher Airlines or myself.”
“Despite pledging blue-chip securities and depositing significant amounts in court, a successful disinformation campaign has ensured my becoming the poster boy of all bank NPAs,” he had said.
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Why India is discussing Mallya’s extradition with France when he is in UK
