UK seeks human rights assurances in Hyderabad arsenic poisoning extradition case
HYDERABAD: Telangana police and prison authorities have shared the information sought by the United Kingdom in the extradition case of UK citizen M Ajith Kumar, 45. He is a pharmacist-cum-IT consultant accused of murdering his mother-in-law and attempting to kill other family members by poisoning them with arsenic, as reported by TOI.
Alleged Arsenic Poisoning at Miyapur Flat
UK-based oncologist M Sirisha Rao filed a complaint at Miyapur police station on August 18, 2023. She alleged that her husband, Ajith Kumar, plotted to kill her and her family during a gathering at their Miyapur flat in June 2023. The family had assembled for her brother Purnender’s wedding.
Sirisha Rao, her father Hanumantha Rao, mother Uma Maheshwari, brother Purnender, and sister-in-law Sasirekha fell ill after eating food allegedly laced with arsenic. Uma Maheshwari, 60, died during treatment at a private hospital on July 5, 2023.
Guntur-based neurologist Taraknath Vemuri suspected arsenic poisoning after examining the victims. Subsequent medical tests confirmed the presence of arsenic.
Case Registered and Chargesheet Filed
Based on Sirisha Rao’s complaint, Miyapur police registered a case against Ajith Kumar and others on August 18, 2023. They invoked Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 498-A (cruelty against a married woman), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
Police filed a chargesheet against 10 accused on June 12, 2024. They arrested nine accused, while Ajith Kumar remained absconding.
Extradition Proceedings Through Centre
After filing the chargesheet, Cyberabad police approached the state government and the Union ministry of external affairs. They submitted an affidavit in late 2024 seeking Ajith Kumar’s extradition.
Acting on India’s request, UK extradition officers arrested him in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on January 17, 2025. The Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London remanded him the same day.
UK Seeks Human Rights Assurances
Ajith Kumar later filed a petition in the UK. The Crown Prosecution Service then sought additional information from Telangana police and prison authorities in the last quarter of 2025. Officials asked about safeguards against custodial torture and protections for international prisoners.
UK authorities also asked whether investigators would seek the death penalty. They sought clarity on procedural safeguards, including whether police would produce him before a magistrate within 24 hours and conduct a medical examination.
“The UK government sought a declaration that we will not pursue the death penalty. We have provided that assurance. They also asked whether we would take him into police custody again and what aspects of the probe remain pending. We have responded to all queries and sent our reply at the end of January. The extradition hearing is scheduled for April 2026,” a Cyberabad police official said.
