UK: We’ll proceed to lift Christian Michel case with Delhi till it’s resolved

LONDON: UK international workplace officers have informed TOI that the UK govt continues to lift AgustaWestland chopper rip-off accused British nationwide Christian Michel’s case with India to “underline the significance of constructing progress to the government of India.”
“We’ll proceed to take action till his case is resolved,” one official informed TOI.
Michel has been detained in Tihar jail since December 2018 when he was extradited to India from Dubai.He beforehand labored within the UAE as a intermediary for a subsidiary of AgustaWestland. He’s accused of paying bribes to Indian officers to assist AgustaWestland win a deal for 12 helicopters value euro 556.2 million (Rs 5,011 crore) in February 2010. The ED, in its charge-sheet filed in June 2016, had alleged that Michel acquired euro 30 million (about Rs 270 crore) from AgustaWestland. On account of the corruption allegations, India cancelled the contract in 2013.
Michel, nevertheless, claims his extradition from Dubai to India was quid professional professional for the handing over by India of Princess Latifa, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, to the Dubai authorities, on March 4, 2018.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak final raised Michel’s case with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept 9 on the New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK minister for South Asia, who often raises Michel’s case along with his Indian counterparts, most not too long ago raised this case with dwelling secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Feb 22.
Consular workers on the British excessive fee in Delhi often go to Michel in detention, most not too long ago on March 27, TOI was informed. Officers within the International Workplace are in touch with Michel’s household, and final met them on Nov 30, 2023.
In 2021 Michel started a starvation strike in Tihar Jail, saying this was his solely strategy to get his voice heard. Final week the Supreme Court docket refused to entertain his bail plea.
A UK govt spokesperson informed TOI: “We proceed to supply consular help to Mr Michel and his household…”
On Nov 27, 2020, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had issued an opinion ruling that Michel was being arbitrarily detained by India and referred to as for his launch by Might 27, 2021. However India on the time mentioned the opinion was not legally binding.