Mumbai Court Issues Open Warrant Against Alleged Gangster in 2007 Murder Case
In a significant legal development, a Mumbai court has issued an open warrant against Kumar Pillai, who faces allegations of being a gangster, in connection with a murder case dating back to 2007. This move comes as Pillai's plea for repatriation to his home country, Hong Kong, where he holds citizenship, remains pending before the court.
Background of the Case and Pillai's Legal Status
Kumar Pillai was brought to Mumbai from Singapore in 2016 under an extradition arrangement. In November of the previous year, he approached a special court, arguing that the three pending cases against him had resulted in acquittals. Consequently, he contended that he should be repatriated to Hong Kong, as per the original proposal to Singaporean authorities. However, the court has yet to make a decision on this plea, leaving his status in India in limbo.
Police Action and Court Order
Earlier, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch approached the court seeking an open warrant against Pillai. After verifying its records, the police discovered that he is absconding in an additional case related to the 2007 murder of a man. In this case, two individuals, alleged to be Pillai's associates, were acquitted by the court in 2017. The police informed the court that to ensure Pillai faces trial, a proposal must be made to the authorities in Singapore, necessitating an open warrant.
Additional Sessions Judge R B Rote, in an order passed on January 19, stated, "The police authorities wanted to arrest the accused and conduct further investigation against him. Therefore, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, it is necessary to issue a warrant of arrest against accused Kumar Pillai." The chargesheet indicates that Pillai is named as an absconding accused and was not arrested in connection with the crime.
Details of the Allegations
Pillai faces serious allegations stemming from a 2007 incident where he is accused of firing at a man and his friend over a past rivalry. The police have booked him on multiple charges, including:
- Murder under the Indian Penal Code
- Attempt to murder under the Indian Penal Code
- Relevant sections of the Arms Act
In his plea filed in November, Pillai claimed that after the conclusion of the three cases for which he was extradited to India, he has no legal status in the country. Despite this, he is not being permitted to leave, prompting him to seek directions from the court regarding his repatriation to Hong Kong.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The issuance of the open warrant underscores the Mumbai Police's intent to pursue justice in the 2007 murder case, even as Pillai's repatriation request hangs in the balance. This development highlights the complexities involved in international extradition and legal status disputes for individuals facing multiple charges across jurisdictions.
As the court deliberates on Pillai's plea, the case continues to draw attention to the interplay between criminal investigations and international legal frameworks. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving foreign nationals accused of crimes in India.
