WEB DESK
In a major blow to the embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid Monday ordered his extradition to India. The 63-year-old businessman had lost a legal challenge against his extradition in a British court in December.
Under the Extradition Treaty procedures, the Chief Magistrate’s verdict was sent to the Home Secretary because only he is authorised to order Mallya’s extradition.
Mallya is on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017 after the Indian authorities brought fraud and money laundering charges amounting to 9,000 crore rupees against the former Kingfisher Airlines chief.
The UK court had said it was satisfied with the various assurances provided by the Indian government, including a video of the jail cell, which had not only been recently redecorated but was also far larger than the minimum requirement threshold.
“On February 3, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Vijay Mallya’s extradition to India. Vijay Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offences,” read a statement from the UK Home Office.
Taking a dig at the opposition, Union minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: “Modi Government clears one more step to get Mallya extradited while Opposition rallies around the Saradha Scamsters.”
Vijay Mallya tweeted he will start the appeal process.
After the decision was handed down on December 10,2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) February 4, 2019