Centre to approach UK for extradition of Lalit Modi

MEA's legal experts have vetted extradition request and it would be sent to British authorities after getting ED's response

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will soon approach the United Kingdom for extradition of former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi.

Last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had requested the MEA to take up with the British authorities the issue of extraditing Modi to India. Following the communication from ED the MEA's legal team examined the matter.

"Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the case, Enforcement Directorate has been requested to intimate their concurrence on the options and suggestions made by the MEA and to advise us how to proceed further in the matter. Now, we are awaiting comments of the Enforcement Directorate," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said.

He said MEA's legal experts have vetted the extradition request and it would be sent to British authorities after getting ED's response. Modi is currently facing money laundering charges.

A couple of months back a special court in Mumbai had issued an order allowing the ED to begin extradition proceedings against Modi. ED claims Modi is staying in the UK. The businessman has consistently denied any wrongdoing.