Quattrocchi case: CBI plea to Interpol

New Delhi, Dec 13: The Central Bureau of Investigation has sent a letter to Interpol for ascertaining the whereabouts of the Bofors Case accused Ottavio Quattrocchi, CBI sources said today.

In its communique to Interpol some time back, the CBI asked it to find out the whereabouts of Quattrocchi who is suspected to be in his home country Italy.

The sources said the letter, which seeks assistance of the Interpol to nab Quattrocchi, also provides details about the non-bailable warrant issued against him by a court here. Also contained in the letter is a brief summary of the decades-old Rs 64-crore payoff scam in which he is wanted for trial in India.

The letter to Interpol comes three months after a court in El Dorado rejected the plea for extradition of Quattrocchii to India.

Quattrocchi was detained at Iguazu airport in Argentina's Misiones province in February on the basis of a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol at the behest of CBI.

CBI sources, however, said the move to send a fresh communication to Interpol is a mere formality as the Italian authorities have already told the Indian Government that their law prohibits extradition of any of its citizens for trial outside their country in such cases.

''Ultimately, it is up to the Government of that country whether or not to accept the request for Quattrocchi's extradition to India,'' the sources said.

UNI