Can’t deport Mallya, can help with extradition, UK tells India

Mangalore Today/ ANI

New Delhi, May 11: The UK has conveyed to New Delhi that it cannot deport Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for over a billion dollars in unpaid loans,  but is ready to assist with his extradition.

The flamboyant entrepreneur, who is also being investigated for money-laundering, flew to London on March 2, and has ignored a series of orders to return to face investigators and banks. India had formally requested for his deportation on April 29.

 

In a statement released today, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The UK Government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred."

"At the same time the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist Government of India. They have asked GoI to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition," it added.

Earlier this month, he resigned from the Rajya Sabha in a letter sent from London even as the Ethics Committee of the Upper house was prepping to remove him.

His passport was cancelled last month