UK Delegation Assesses Tihar Jail for Extraditions
A delegation from the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) visited Tihar Jail recently as part of India's ongoing efforts to secure the extradition of high-profile fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. This visit is crucial for India, as it aims to assure UK officials that any extradited individuals will be treated fairly and securely within Indian prison facilities.
Historically, extradition requests from India have faced hurdles, primarily due to concerns about prison conditions. British courts have previously denied these requests, fearing that extradited individuals might not receive proper treatment. To counter these apprehensions, the Indian government has committed to ensuring that no unlawful interrogation will occur while these individuals are in custody.
The CPS delegation toured the high-security ward of Tihar Jail, engaging with prisoners to understand the conditions better. Officials indicated that if necessary, a special “enclave” would be constructed within the jail premises to provide a secure environment for high-profile accused individuals.
Currently, 178 extradition requests from India are pending abroad, with about 20 stuck in the UK. These cases include serious charges against arms dealers and individuals linked to Khalistani activities. The Indian government emphasizes that it is making a strong case for the return of these fugitives to face legal actions in India.
Vijay Mallya, a notorious liquor tycoon residing in London, is a significant focus of India's extradition efforts due to allegations of defaulting on loans exceeding ₹9,000 crore. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi, implicated in the ₹13,800 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, is already in UK custody, with his extradition to India approved by the UK High Court.
The Enforcement Directorate has also filed cases against Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigations have led to the seizure of multiple assets linked to the accused, indicating the seriousness of the charges against them.
As India continues to strengthen its case for extradition, the successful return of these fugitives could mark a significant step towards accountability in high-profile financial crimes.
