The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong statement reiterating the Indian government's unwavering commitment to bringing back economic fugitives. This declaration comes in the wake of a widely circulated video showing former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and absconding businessman Vijay Mallya together in London.
Government's Firm Stance on Economic Offenders
During a weekly media briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the viral video directly. He emphasized that the government's position on pursuing individuals who have fled the country after committing financial crimes remains unchanged and resolute. The spokesperson confirmed that the government is fully committed to using all legal and diplomatic channels to ensure the return of such fugitives to face justice in India.
Jaiswal stated that the relevant authorities are actively examining the specifics of the video featuring Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya. He clarified that while the MEA's role is primarily to facilitate the legal processes handled by investigative agencies and courts, the ministry's support for these efforts is absolute.
Persistent Legal Battles for Extradition
The cases of both Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi represent long-standing and complex legal challenges for India. Vijay Mallya, the founder of the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fled to the United Kingdom in 2016. He is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to approximately Rs 9,000 crore. Despite the UK High Court ordering his extradition in 2020, the process has been stalled due to confidential legal proceedings.
Similarly, Lalit Modi, the controversial founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been living abroad since 2010. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed multiple money laundering cases against him, and he was declared a fugitive economic offender by a Mumbai court in 2021. India has been actively seeking his extradition as well, though the process has faced numerous hurdles.
International Cooperation and Continued Efforts
The MEA's statement underscores the continuous efforts undertaken by Indian agencies in coordination with international partners. The government has been working closely with foreign jurisdictions, particularly the United Kingdom, to navigate the intricate legal frameworks that govern extradition treaties. The spokesperson's remarks serve to reassure the public that these cases have not been forgotten and remain a high priority.
The viral video, which surfaced earlier this week, acted as a catalyst, bringing renewed public and media attention to these high-profile fugitive cases. It showed the two men conversing, which sparked discussions on social media and news platforms about their status and the progress of India's attempts to secure their return.
The government's renewed vow highlights a consistent policy of pursuing individuals accused of major financial crimes, regardless of the time elapsed or the complexities involved. The message is clear: India will persist in its legal quest for accountability and justice in these matters, leveraging all available diplomatic and judicial avenues to bring economic offenders back to the country.
