ED seeks MEA’s assistance to bring back Mallya

New Delhi, Apr.21 : The Enforcement Directorate has written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking assistance in bringing back liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India through diplomatic channels.
Sources said the agency has written that the ministry concerned should take the initiative in this regard.The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had on Wednesday directed the Enforcement Directorate to execute the non-bailable warrant against Mallya in a case of laundering Rs. 900 crore.The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Mallya diverted Rs. 430 crores for purchase of a property abroad from the Rs.950 crores IDBI loan for his Kingfisher Airlines.
The MEA had earlier while acting on the Enforcement Directorate’s request suspended Mallya’s diplomatic passport with immediate effect for a period of four weeks under Section 10-A of the Passports Act.
The MEA had also asked Mallya to respond within a week as to why his passport should not be impounded or revoked.