The wait for the extradition of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari to India seems endless. Just as one legal hurdle is cleared, another arises. For several years, these legal complexities have allowed Sanjay Bhandari to evade coming to India. Now, once again, a petition has been filed in the UK High Court on his behalf to contest his extradition. The timing of the court's decision on his plea remains uncertain.
What's Bhandari's Last Move?
To provide some context, British Home Secretary Suella Braverman approved Bhandari's extradition. He was given 14 days to seek legal recourse. Within those 14 days, a resolution was expected. Friday marked the last day for Bhandari to avail himself of legal aid, which he indeed pursued. He has contested the British government's decision in the UK High Court. Without this legal step, his extradition to India would have been imminent.
What Charges Does Bhandari Face?
Indeed, Bhandari stands accused of transferring a substantial amount of black money overseas—circumventing taxes with the help of associates. This led to significant financial losses for the national exchequer. Subsequently, connections between Sanjay Bhandari and Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, came to light. In 2016, the Income Tax Department posed several questions to Bhandari regarding Vadra's 2012 France trip. According to the department, Bhandari possesses assets in numerous foreign companies but has failed to provide transparency or furnish information to the tax authorities. Additionally, Sanjay Bhandari faces another serious allegation—bribery in defense deals. His name surfaced in a few controversial transactions during the UPA era.
Source: aajtak
