UK to extradite 2002 Gujarat riots accused

LONDON: Samir Patel, an accused in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, has been detained in London and is due to be extradited to India shortly, officials

LONDON: Samir Patel, an accused in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, has been detained in London and is due to be extradited to India shortly, officials said on Wednesday.

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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), one of the key departments in the British government dealing with extradition requests, told HT that Patel had consented to his extradition to India.

Patel is wanted in connection with a case of rioting in Ode village of Anand district on March 1, 2002. He was detained after a red corner notice was issued by Interpol when he was traced to London.

A CPS official said: “We can confirm that Mr Patel has consented to his extradition to India. However, we are unable to comment on any surrender arrangements as this is an operational matter for the police.”

Scotland Yard told HT: “On August 9, officers from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) Extradition unit attended an address in Beavers Lane, Hounslow and arrested Samir Vinubhai Patel, aged 40, on a warrant issued under section 71 Extradition Act 2003. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 10, 2016.”

A team from Gujarat Police is expected to arrive in London shortly and take Patel to India.