A London court has cleared the extradition of an Indian origin pharmacist to Hyderabad, where he is wanted for trial over serious allegations linked to the poisoning of his former wife family and an alleged murder plot. The decision was given on Friday, according to Reuters and the Times of India.
The accused, Ajith Kumar Mupparapu, 46, is accused of attacking his former wife, Sirisha Muttavarapu, and her family in Hyderabad in 2023 after their separation. Prosecutors allege that he arranged for chilli powder and salt mixed with arsenic to be sent to the family home. Family members reportedly consumed food made using the ingredients during a family wedding in June 2023.
Muttavarapu mother, Uma Maheshwari, died the following month. Prosecutors said tests showed arsenic levels in members of the family were more than 20 times the normal level.The allegations also include an alleged plan to kill Muttavarapu father, Hanumantha Rao. Prosecutors said different attempts were planned, including a staged road accident, hiring contract killers and using a lethal injection.
Mupparapu lawyers argued that there was not enough evidence against him and raised concerns about his treatment if sent to India. However, Judge John Zani said there was an arguable case and accepted assurances from Indian authorities about his custody. The accused can still challenge the extradition decision in the High Court. He has not been convicted of the allegations.
