Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been arrested in a second money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on October 3.
The 61-year-old businessman, out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by the Metropolitan Police earlier in 2017, will appearing before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London later in the day where he is expected to be get bail.
Criminal lawyer Satish Maneshinde argued that what Mallya has been arrested for is not an “extraditable offense” and that he is a victim of vindication by Indian banks. First of all, this is not an extraditable offense. He was vindictively treated by the banks. There are hundreds of people who owe thousands of crore more than Mallya to the banks. They have siphoned out more money for personal deeds. As far as Mallya is concerned, there is no evidence as of now, which is before any court of law, that any amount which goes to him, has been diverted for his personal cause.
“Vijay Mallya has been arrested on money laundering charges and will be appearing in court today,” a CPS spokesperson said.
The case is being probed by the ED and it had filed a charge sheet against him and others in a Mumbai court. The CPS will be arguing the case against Mr. Mallya on behalf of the Indian government.
Mallya’s trial in that case is scheduled for two weeks, starting December 4.He has been granted bail after brief arrest.
It remains to be seen if both cases will be clubbed together, which may lead to a delay in the trial date.
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