Vijay Mallya deportation: Jaitley says not surprised by UK's stand

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that he is not surprised by the UK government's stand on liquor baron Vijay Mallya's deportation.

Jaitley, who is Leader of House in Rajya Sabha, was speaking after Janata Dal-United (JD-U) member Sharad Yadav raised the issue in the house.

"Government has said we will get him back. UK has clearly denied it and said there is no question of sending him back. This man took so many things from here and government was sleeping," Yadav said.

Jaitley, in response, said that his deportation was sought by the investigative agencies, but was turned down by the UK.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha on this issue, Jaitley said, “There is nothing new in the stand taken by UK on Vijay Mallya.”

Jaitley further said, another alternative process, is that when chargesheet is filed after investigation, then extradition has to be demanded.

Britain has told India that it cannot deport Vijay Mallya, who is facing money laundering charges in the country, but could consider an extradition request for him.

The UK government's response came nearly a fortnight after India made a request for the deportation of Mallya, whose Indian passport was revoked in a bid to secure his presence for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

There is also a non-bailable warrant issued against Mallya.