The Struggle to Repatriate Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi
India's efforts to bring back prominent fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have faced significant challenges. As a Modi supporter, I am keen to explore the legal and moral dimensions of the situation.
Background on Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi
Vijay Mallya, a former cricket icon and businessman, left India in the wake of fraudulent activities and tax evasion. According to reports, Mallya was tipped off about potential arrest and was granted permission by a friend in high places, Indra Nooyi, to escape. Despite the legal and political support he received, Mallya acquired British citizenship through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. This has made the extradition process extremely difficult as the UK typically does not extradite individuals to countries where the death penalty may be applicable, which, in this case, is not the situation.
Legal and Political Context
Similarly, Nirav Modi, the former managing director of diamond conglomerate Mehul Choksi, has been on the run since 2018 following a major fraud case in Punjab National Bank (PNB) worth billions of dollars. Members of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs have expressed their frustration with the current situation, saying that:
Absolutely nothing can be done about it now. The decision is now in the hands of the UK and Hong Kong (HK) legal systems, and it depends entirely on the evidence produced. Unfortunately, the evidence against them is considered 'eighth rate' by many experts.
Current Status and Possible Solutions
India's efforts to repatriate these fugitives can be categorized into three main approaches:
1. Legal Approach
The primary method India is pursuing is through the legal system. This involves filing cases and struggling to build a strong case against these fugitives. The legal system in the UK and Hong Kong is highly complex and rigorous, making it challenging to secure extradition orders. The Indian government, however, continues to work on strengthening the evidence to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
2. Abduction as a Last Resort
While the idea of abduction may seem appealing, it is not a practical or legal solution. India relies on international laws and agreements, which do not facilitate such actions. Imposing economic sanctions or penalties, such as banning the IPL RCB team from earning money, would be a less aggressive but potentially effective strategy.
3. Individuals Volunteering to Return
The possibility of the fugitives returning voluntarily is almost non-existent. They are both deeply invested in their current jurisdictions and likely to resist requests to return to India, especially with the possibility of facing severe legal consequences.
Conclusion
The repatriation of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi remains a contentious issue in the political landscape. While the Indian government is trying to push the legal process through, the complexity of the legal systems in the UK and Hong Kong poses significant hurdles. The government's efforts have been undermined by the perceived favoritism shown to these fugitives by their 'good friends' in government and the international community. The current status of the cases, with evidence being deemed 'eighth rate,' makes the road to repatriation a long and arduous one.