Vijay Mallya’s extradition to India cleared by UK govt; will appeal, says liquor baron

New Delhi: In his first reactions after being handed over the extradition order by the UK government, fugitive business magnate Vijay Mallya has said that he would initiate the appeal process against the order.

“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,” Mr Mallya tweeted.

The Westminster Magistrates’ court in December had ordered the extradition of Mallya to India, with Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot prima facie finding a case against onetime ‘King of Good Times’ for fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.

The court order had then gone to the UK Home office for approval.

Mr Mallya’s possible potential return to India would be seen as an achievement for the NDA regime - which has come under immense embarrassment in last three years since Mallya had left India.

A government source when contacted here said on Monday night - “We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya’s extradition to India”.

“While we welcome the UK Government’s decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition,” the source said.

BJP leader and Union Minister Arun Jaitley, undergoing treatment in the US, tweeted - “Modi Government clears one more step to get Mallya extradited while Opposition rallies around the Saradha Scamsters”.

A Home Office spokesperson in the United Kingdom said: “On 3rd February 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 offenses”.

The order, however, said, Mr Mallya has 14 days time to apply for leave to appeal. (UNI)