Trying to bring Vijay Mallya back from UK through extradition: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley informed the Rajya Sabha today that the government is trying to bring back the liquor baron Vijay Mallya from UK through extradition as the Public Sector banks which had given loans to Mallya are seeking his arrest.

He said that the investigative agencies are looking into the crimes committed by the industrialist in India.

The issue was raised by JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav who said that Britain has made it clear that it cannot deport Mallya and put forth the question that what are the plans of the government now in the matter.

Meanwhile, Political parties today asked the government to take up the case of Vijay Mallya with the UK government seriously.

Talking to media outside Parliament, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the government should make every effort to bring back Mallya.

JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said that the government should enforce its laws effectively in the case. He said, India and UK should work together in this direction.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government will leave no stone unturned to bring back Vijay Mallya and Indian authorities are working in this regard.

Earlier today, the United Kingdom informed the government that they cannot comply with their request to deport him, but are ready to consider the option of Mallya's extradition.

According to a statement by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup, "the UK Government has informed 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."

However, the UK has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and has expressed its keenness to assist India in the matter and have asked the government to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition.