New Delhi: India’s long-pending demand to bring back high-profile fugitives from the United Kingdom may finally gain momentum, with British officials recently inspecting conditions inside Tihar Jail. The visit comes as New Delhi intensifies its diplomatic efforts to ensure the return of businessmen and operatives accused in cases of fraud, money laundering and arms deals.

According to an ANI report, a delegation from the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service, accompanied by representatives from the British High Commission, toured Tihar in July. The team inspected the high-security ward, interacted with inmates and discussed prison facilities with officials.

Sources said jail authorities assured that special secure “enclaves” could be created within the complex to house high-profile prisoners if required. India has also given Britain a written guarantee that no accused would be subjected to illegal interrogation while in custody.

Prison conditions have often emerged as a sticking point in extradition proceedings, with British courts citing overcrowding and human rights concerns to block deportations in the past.

Who India Wants Back

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai told Parliament in December 2024 that India had issued 178 extradition requests in the last five years. Only 23 individuals have been returned so far, with nearly 20 cases stuck in the UK.

Among the fugitives sought by India are: 

  • Vijay Mallya – liquor baron facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
  • Nirav Modi – diamond merchant accused in the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank scam.
  • Lalit Modi – former IPL chief, facing corruption charges.
  • Mehul Choksi – PNB scam accused, currently based in the Caribbean but with UK links.
  • Sanjay Bhandari – arms dealer wanted on corruption and money laundering charges.

Several operatives linked to Khalistani groups and other organisations labelled as “terror” outfits.
India “Making the Case”

The extradition issue was raised at the highest level during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK in July for the signing of the proposed Free Trade Agreement. Ahead of the trip, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said that India continued to “make the case” with London for the return of fugitives.

With the British inspection of Tihar now complete, officials believe the roadblocks that stalled previous extradition requests may soon ease, clearing the way for some of India’s most high-profile accused to face trial at home.