Agencies are trying to get Mallya back, says Jaitley

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday that relevant agencies are trying to get liquor baron Vijay Mallya back in India and the issue was discussed during his recent visit to London.

"Relevant agencies are trying to get him back through extradition or deportation. Diplomatic channel is also being used," Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

He was responding to Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy's query. Roy wanted to know about the steps being taken by the government against high profile economic offenders like Mallya and Lalit Modi.

"In the last two and a half years, government has taken a series of steps. Under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, attachment orders against Mallya have been issued by ED (Enforcement Directorate). Assets worth Rs. 8,040 crore were attached," Jaitley said.

"I had also an opportunity during my recent visit to discuss the issue with concerned authorities, including my counterpart," he said.

Mallya owes Rs 9,200 crore to the banks. While Rs 8,040 crore worth of his properties have been attached, he also has income tax dues of about Rs 2,000 crore.

Jaitley said that there are provisions in place like issuing Red Corner notice and seizing passport to ensure that the offenders do not flee, but some find their way out.

"Such people enjoy the country's financial system, commit crime and flee the country," he said.

"In that case we have extradition process. Some countries also facilitate deportation. We are trying to get deportation treaties in place with maximum number of countries," he added.

The Finance Minister said: "We have proposed that we should bring a new law to confiscate their assets or bring amendments to the existing laws for confiscation."

"A study is going on in this regard. Whatever provisions are made, the house will be informed," Jaitley said.

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