Hyderabad poisoning case takes turn as London court clears extradition
HYDERABAD: The three-year-old poisoning case in Miyapur has taken a significant turn, with Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London allowing the extradition of UK-based pharmacist Ajit Kumar Mupparapu, 46, to India.
Mupparapu, a British citizen of Indian origin, faces allegations of poisoning members of his former wife Sireesha’s family in Hyderabad in 2023.
Mother’s death brought poisoning allegations to light
Sireesha had approached a court in 2023 seeking a divorce from Ajit. Later, members of her family gathered at a house in Miyapur for a wedding.
According to the allegations, Ajit plotted to kill members of his former wife’s family by mixing arsenic into salt and chilli powder used at home. Family members allegedly fell ill after eating food prepared with the contaminated ingredients.
Sireesha’s mother, Uma Maheswari, who fell ill after eating the food, died on July 5, 2023. Medical tests reportedly found arsenic levels in her body far above normal, strengthening suspicions of poisoning.
Father allegedly targeted in multiple murder attempts
Ajit is also accused of making several attempts to kill Sireesha’s father, Hanumanth Rao.
Investigators alleged that Ajit paid contract killers to murder Hanumanth Rao and make the death appear to be a road accident. He was also accused of planning to kill him by injecting a drug capable of paralysing muscle function.
As Ajit had obtained British citizenship, Indian authorities pursued his extradition through Interpol so that he could face investigation in the cases registered under the Cyberabad commissionerate.
Indian authorities presented details of the allegations and supporting evidence before the London court.
Ajit’s lawyers argued that there was no evidence directly linking him to the alleged poisoning. They also told the court that his safety could be at risk if he were extradited to India.
After examining the evidence submitted by Indian authorities and assurances given regarding his safety, the court ruled in favour of his extradition to India.
The ruling brings the case, which has continued for three years, to a crucial stage. However, Ajit could challenge the London court’s order before a higher court, which may delay his immediate transfer to Hyderabad.
