India followed due process in Michel extradition: MEA

India followed due process in securing the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a senior official said on Thursday.

At a media briefing here, External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the Ministry had two requests from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the extradition of Michel from the UAE which were then forwarded to the Indian mission in the Gulf nation.

"After following due process and exhaustion of judicial process, Christian Michel was extradited to India," Kumar said.

"The matter is being handled by the CBI."

Michel is a British national who was wanted for his role in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case.

He was brought back to India from the UAE on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a Delhi court sent him to five days' custody of the CBI. Michel is also under medical observation.

Kumar also said the External Affairs Ministry has received a request from the British High Commission for consular access to Michel.

"The matter is being examined by the Ministry," he said.

--IANS

ab/nir