May 31, 2018

The 3rd Indo-UK home affairs dialogue dwelt on 8 issues including counter-terrorism, terror financing, cyber-security, women’s safety, organized crime & visa-related matters.

On Wednesday, India asked the UK to expedite the process of extradition of Indian fugitives & economic offenders, which include former liquor baron Vijay Mallya & ex-IPL boss Lalit Modi. At the Indo-UK home affairs dialogue here, the Indian side is also reported to have sought the help of British authorities to locate diamantaire Nirav Modi .

“We've sought the help of the authorities in the UK in the extradition of our wanted persons. The process is on & everyone knows that it's because of our proactive action, that Mallya now has to fight his extradition case in a UK court, investing his time & money,” said an official privy to discussions during the 2-hour long meeting here.

The 3rd Indo-UK home affairs dialogue dwelt on 8 issues including counter-terrorism, terror financing, cyber-security, women’s safety, organized crime & visa-related matters. The Indian delegation was led by home secretary Rajiv Gauba, while UK team was led by Patsy Wilkinson.

During the talks, Gauba communicated India’s concern over activities of pro-Khalistan & Kashmiri separatist elements in the UK & urged it to maintain a vigil over such elements & take appropriate action including timely sharing of intelligence.

Vijay Mallya, facing CBI & ED investigations, is accused of defrauding Indian banks of 9,000 crore. He's currently contesting extradition proceedings initiated by India, in a UK Court.

India had earlier moved ED’s request for extradition of Lalit Modi. However, Interpol had rejected the request for a red corner notice against him on the ground that no chargesheet had been filed against him in the Indian courts.

Nirav Modi & his uncle Mehul Choksi, who left India early this year, are wanted by authorities for allegedly duping Punjab National Bank of 13,000 crore.

Earlier there were reports that information with officials of the Indian High Commission in the UK pointed to his being in the UK. A request to locate him is reported to have been made to the UK authorities on Wednesday.

Source TOI

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