Mumbai: A special court on Wednesday allowed an application by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad seeking initiation of an extradition proposal to bring back absconding accused Mehmood Bhagad from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a money-laundering syndicate from Malegaon involving over Rs 317 crore generated through cyber fraud and online gaming apps.According to the order, Bhagad, shown as accused number nine, has remained absconding since the registration of the offence. A Red Corner Notice was later issued through CBI Interpol, New Delhi.“Looking into the grievous and serious offence against the Accused No. 9, his presence is required. The investigating agency’s request for extradition proposal to be sent to the Government of UAE for bringing the Accused back in the Indian territory for further necessary compliance and trial. Hence, the application as sought by the prosecution can be allowed in the interest of justice,” the judge said.The ATS had registered an offence at Kalachowki police station with a connected registration at Chawani police station, Malegaon Camp, Nashik Rural, against Siraj Memon and eight others. The offences invoked include cheating, forgery and related provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.The investigating agency informed the court that Bhagad had been arrested in the UAE, and that the information was received through Interpol. The ATS then moved the court seeking permission for an extradition proposal to be sent to the UAE govt so that Bhagad could be brought back to India for further legal process and trial.
