New Delhi, April 10
In an encouraging development for the CBI, which is hunting for Ravi Shankaran, the main accused in the navy war room leak case, a British court has issued an arrest warrant against him.
The warrant has been issued on the request of the CBI to the Home Department of Britain for the provisional arrest of Shankaran, who is reported to be hiding there, according to a CBI press note issued here today.
India's request for the provisional arrest of 43-year-old Shankaran was made under the provisions of Article 12 of the extradition treaty between the two countries.
The request states that if apprehended, the Government of India undertakes to present a formal extradition request for Ravi Shankaran to the British government and to Northern Ireland not later than two months from the such date of apprehension.
Ravi Shankaran had left India prior to the registration of the case by the CBI. Proclamation order was issued in his name by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Delhi, on June 17, 2006, directing him to appear before the court and the same were published both in India as well as in Britain.
Due to non-compliance of these orders, his known properties were attached on September 19, 2006 as per the court orders. Ravi Shankaran has been declared as proclaimed offender by the CMM, Delhi on November 15, 2006.
Earlier, on May 12, 2006, the Interpol had issued a red corner notice against Shankaran.
“Vigorous efforts by the CBI have resulted in the issue of arrest warrant against Ravi Shankaran and it is considered a major step towards his extradition,” the agency said.
