India wants UK to have same approach on extradition

New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) Peeved over a UK court's
desire to inspect jails here before extraditing an Indian
fugitive, the Indian government has decided to convey the
message that it would "reciprocate" in the same way if any
request comes for extraditing British fugitives.
The decision has come after a British court sought
India's consent to depute a human rights expert to visit
Gujarat jails to examine the conditions there before it grants
extradition of Mohammad Hanif Umerji Patel, alias Tiger Hanif,
the alleged mastermind of the 1993 bomb blast in Surat.
Hanif has cited India's poor human rights records and
fear of torture in his plea to the court, which is hearing the
application for his extradition.
"The British court wanted to send someone to visit our
jails. We have agreed, but also told them in no uncertain
terms that when they make a similar request in the future, we
will insist on the same conditions," an official said.
The Home Ministry's decision to "reciprocate" in
letter and spirit to any similar request from Britain has been
conveyed to the Ministry of External Affairs for informing
London.
This came days after the Danish High Court rejected a
plea for extraditing Purulia arms drop case key accused Kim
Davy citing alleged poor conditions of Indian jails and
"violation of human rights" in prisons here.
Interestingly, Indian national Aman Vyas against whom
an Interpol red corner notice was issued for allegedly
sexually assaulting four women and murdering one of them in
Britain two years ago was arrested here last week.
A decision on his extradition to Britain is yet to be
taken.