UK Court clears extradition of Gujarat murder accused Jayesh Patel
- In Reports
- 01:13 PM, Mar 31, 2023
- Myind Staff
A UK court on Thursday cleared the extradition of Jaysukh Ranpariya (alias Jayesh Patel), wanted in India to stand trial for four linked conspiracies to murder, and sent the case to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to sign off on the ruling.
Ranpariya was subject to an Interpol Red Notice and arrested on March 17, 2021, in London.
District Judge Sarah-Jane Griffiths handed down her judgment at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London at the end of a series of hearings in the case, which concluded in December last year, news agency PTI reported.
She described the case, dating back two years, as "extremely challenging" with the evolving evidence and issues.
"I am satisfied to the necessary standard that the extradition request contains sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case," Judge Griffiths notes.
"I find that the Defendant's extradition to India to face a criminal prosecution complies with his Convention Rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998. I am satisfied to the necessary standard that there are no bars to this extradition request, as provided for by the 2003 Act, nor does extradition amount to an abuse of process in this case," her judgment reads.
"In accordance with the provision of section 87(3) of the [Extradition] 2003 Act I am sending this case to the Secretary of State for a decision as to whether the Defendant is to be extradited," she concluded.
As per India's extradition request, Ranpariya is wanted for four linked conspiracies and each conspiracy to murder is linked to attempting to extort money or property from individuals linked to the sale and development of plots of land in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
‘In each case, the killing was to be by way of a contract killing. One of his victims died; three survived. The individual who was murdered was an advocate, Kirit Joshi,' reads the extradition request.
According to the court documents, Ranpariya sought to take control of land owned by others, by the production of false documentation or would attempt to block or dissuade would-be purchasers from acquiring land being sold by his rivals. Individuals who were targeted or who took steps to support victims of his extortion were subjected to 'threats and intimidation'.
The extradition proceedings are focused upon the allegations of murder and conspiracy or attempt to murder, alleged to have occurred between 2018 and 2021.
"In each case, the Defendant (Ranpariya) is alleged to have commissioned others (by contract) to kill specific persons," the judgment notes.
Meanwhile, Ranpariya remains behind bars at HMP Belmarsh Prison in south-east London and had been following the court proceedings with the help of a Gujarati interpreter.
He can appeal against the judgment in the High Court, which can be heard after the Home Secretary has signed off on the extradition in the next few months.
Image courtesy: The Indian Express
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