S Ahmed Ali & Mateen Hafeez TNN
Mumbai/New Delhi: India is keeping its fingers crossed regarding the extradition of drug baron Iqbal Memon alias Iqbal Mirchi within a month, with the UK authorities’ communication with the Interpol wing of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding his arrest in London. The UK authorities responded to Interpol’s email and telephonic conversation and have told the CBI to start the process on Wednesday. Sources said the CBI has contacted the Mumbai police, who have started dusting out Mirchi’s old files.
Mirchi (61), wanted in India, particularly by the Mumbai police, in half a dozen cases, was arrested by the London police on Monday. Sources said a businessman from London alleged that Mirchi, who operates rice mills as front companies, had threatened him over property. Mirchi has been remanded to police custody till October 15. Sources said his lawyers may appeal for bail, but senior Interpol officials are speaking to the UK authorities for his extradition. India’s request for Mirchi’s extradition in 1998 was rejected after he sought political asylum, claiming that he would be persecuted as he belonged to a minority community. Sources said even music composer Nadeem Saifee, who was accused of killing music baron Gulshan Kumar, could be extradited as he too had alleged that he was framed as he belonged to a minority community.
With Mirchi’s deportation, the crime branch hopes he will shed light on journalist J Dey’s killing. There were reports that Dey, who was killed at gangster Chhota Rajan’s behest in June, had met Mirchi in London. But the trail got cold as the police could not collect evidence.
“We have information that he purchased several properties for the Dawood Ibrahim gang in London. Though it is not an offence in London, we have information about the money flow and how it was used for the gang,” said Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of police (crime). “We are collecting evidence to prepare a dossier on him. We will try our best to extradite him,” he added. However, the city police may have a problem proving charges against Mirchi as most officers who investigated the cases have retired. The witnesses have also either changed residence, died or are untraceable.
Meanwhile, the Indian government on Wednesday said it was making all efforts to extradite Mirchi. Union external affairs minister S M Krishna said the process had already started. “We will take up the issue with the British government and hopefully he’ll be extradited.”
The Times of India, October 13, 2011
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