India seeks UK’s help in extraditing Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi

Vijay Mallya is wanted in India on charges of ₹9,000-crore fraud while Lalit Modi is facing a money laundering probe.

The Centre on Thursday sought the United Kingdom’s help in securing an early extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and in locating fugitive businessman Nirav Modi during the third Indo-UK home affairs dialogue, a home ministry official said.

Vijay Mallya flew to the UK from India in March 2016 as lenders to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines closed in on him to recover around ₹9,000 crore of loans. (AP File Photo)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also asked the UK not to allow British territory to be used for anti-India activities by Kashmiri and Khalistani separatists. “A detailed exchange of views took place between the two sides on Indian fugitives and economic offenders residing in the UK. The Indian delegation impressed upon the UK authorities the need to expedite the process of extradition,” a statement issued by the MHA said.

While the Indian delegation was led by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, the UK team was headed by UK second permanent secretary Patsy Wilkinson.

The dialogue covered a wide range of issues, including cyber security, women safety and organised crime said the statement.