UK refuses to deport debt-laden Vijay Mallya, money lenders grope in dark

UK had denied India’s request to deport debt-ridden Vijay Mallya, whose Indian passport has also been revoked over money laundering charges.

Britain said it could consider an extradition request for him.

Mallya has been booked under Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 and a non-bailable warrant has also been issued against him.

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"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,” said spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup.

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

The extradition can happen under the 1993 treaty or any other necessary assistance under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) signed in 1992 between India and the U.K.

However, India was hoping to get the liquor baron, who is facing arrest over allegations of defaulting bank loans of over Rs 9,400 crore, through the expeditious route of deportation and not go through the lengthy process of extradition.

(Image: Indiatimes)