Extradition – Family Urges PM Modi to Accelerate UAE Murder Suspect’s Return
Extradition – The family of a man killed in a 2006 murder case has appealed for faster action to bring an absconding accused back from the United Arab Emirates, saying the long-pending criminal trial cannot move forward until the suspect is produced before the court.
Retired Captain Manjit Singh Virdi, whose brother was the victim in the case, has submitted a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting immediate intervention in the extradition process. According to the letter, one of the accused, Hussain Mehboob Khokawala, also known as Hussain Mohammed Shattaf, is believed to be living in the UAE and has remained outside the reach of Indian authorities for several years.
Supreme Court Revived Criminal Proceedings
In his representation, Virdi referred to a Supreme Court order delivered on May 18, 2023, which restored the murder trial after setting aside an earlier Bombay High Court decision that had discharged the accused. Although the proceedings were revived, he stated that the case has not progressed because the accused has not appeared before the trial court.
He argued that the absence of the accused has continued to delay judicial proceedings, leaving the matter unresolved despite the intervention of the country’s highest court.
Extradition Proposal Awaiting Further Action
The representation also points to observations made by the Bombay High Court regarding the extradition process. According to the court’s recorded findings, the Maharashtra Home Department had already forwarded the extradition proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, after which further action was expected from the Government of India.
Virdi has urged the central authorities to ensure that the pending request is processed without unnecessary delay so that legal proceedings can continue in accordance with the law.
Allegations Regarding the Accused’s Stay Abroad
The letter further alleges that Hussain Mehboob Khokawala has been staying in the UAE for an extended period while avoiding legal proceedings in India. It also claims that he may not possess valid travel or residency documents. In addition, the representation mentions allegations linking him to multiple criminal offences, including murder and passport-related forgery. These allegations remain part of the representation submitted by the victim’s family.
Investigative Measures Already in Place
According to the representation, the Bombay High Court had also taken note of a Look Out Circular issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Maharashtra government. Such measures were intended to support efforts aimed at securing the accused’s return and advancing the legal process.
Separately, official records indicate that an Interpol Red Corner Notice has also been issued against the accused to assist international law enforcement agencies in locating him and facilitating legal action.
Family Seeks Faster Resolution
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, Virdi stated that India has successfully secured the extradition of several individuals from the UAE in recent years. However, he questioned why similar progress has not been achieved in this particular case despite the passage of many years.
In his appeal to the Prime Minister, he requested that the concerned authorities review the reasons behind the delay and take all necessary steps to expedite the extradition process. He said that bringing the accused back to India is essential for ensuring that the pending murder trial proceeds without further interruption.
Diplomatic Process Underway
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India has already initiated extradition proceedings through diplomatic channels with the United Arab Emirates in connection with the 2006 murder case. The ministry has indicated that the legal process remains active, while investigative agencies continue coordinating efforts under the applicable legal framework.