India seeks Mallya’s deportation from UK

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 28

The government today took a step forward in assuring that the deportation of Vijay Mallya from the UK does take place. After the revocation of his passport last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has written to the UK High Commission requesting his deportation.

"The ministry has written to the High Commission of the UK in Delhi requesting the deportation of Vijay Mallya so that his presence can be secured for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002," said spokesperson of the MEA Vikas Swarup.

The Indian High Commission in the UK will also be issuing a similar note verbale to the UK foreign and commonwealth office, said Swarup, giving details of the action taken against Mallya.

The ministry also pointed out that India will continue pursuing Mallya's deportation matter with the UK authorities.

Mallya, the chairman of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, is facing charges of money laundering and loan default. He has so far refused to return to India to explain the charges brought against him.

Last week, his passport was revoked by the MEA on the advice of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Mallya has already failed to appear thrice before the courts. A non-bailable arrest warrant has also been issued against him.

"Mallya's passport was revoked last week in view of these (PMLA) investigations and non-bailable warrant issued by the Special Judge, Mumbai. We will continue to pursue this matter with UK authorities," Swarup added.