NEW DELHI: India today asked the authorities in the UK to expedite extradition of Indian fugitives residing in the UK, including
Vijay Mallya and
Lalit Modi.
The request came during a dialogue of Indo-UK affairs held in the national capital between home secretary Rajiv Gauba and UK's second permanent secretary Patty Wilkinson.
During the discussion, the issue of fugitive
Nirav Modi was also raised. New Delhi sought London's help in locating the fugitive billionaire jeweller's whereabouts.
Mallya, facing CBI and ED investigations, is accused of defrauding Indian banks of Rs 9,000 crore. He left India on March 2, 2016, and was arrested by Scotland Yard next year on an extradition warrant. Out on bail,
Mallya is fighting the extradition case in a UK court.
Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who left India early this year, are wanted by authorities for allegedly duping Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,000 crore.
Lalit Modi left India after being charged with money laundering.
The dialogue also covered issues such as cybersecurity, women safety, organised crime and terror financing. The delegation also held discussions on the need to put in place a mechanism for the timely exchange of information and intelligence inputs on such issues.
The two sides also discussed the issue of streamlining the visa process for Indian students and highly skilled professionals and other categories.
The Indian side also communicated concerns on Sikh radical elements based in the UK and urged the British government to maintain a vigil over activities of such elements and take appropriate action including timely sharing of intelligence.
