SC seeks explanation from CBI on Quattrocchi's extradition

New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the CBI to explain within a week the steps taken by it for the extradition of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, the main suspect in the Rs 64 crore Bofors gun scandal, from Argentina to India.

A Bench comprising Justices C K Thakker and V S Sirpurkar told Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam, ''It is a very serious matter and we hope that the Government of India is also serious.'' The ASG informed the court that a two-member CBI team will be leaving for Argentina on February 28 for seeking the extradition of the Italian fugitive.

The court also issued notices to the Centre and the CBI on an application filed by Mr Ajay Aggarwal, a Supreme Court advocate, seeking directions to the CBI to take immediate steps to ensure that Quattrocchi is brought to India this time and is not allowed to slip away as was the case earlier.

Mr Aggarwal also contended that the main suspect in the about Rs 1400 crore gun deal was detained by the Argentinian authorities on February 6 and the extradition application must be filed within 30 days and the deadline expires on March 7.

The applicant has also accused the CBI of suppressing the fact from the court on February 12 when it already had the information about the detention of Quattrocchi on February 8 and the CBI conduct was tantamount to contempt of court.

UNI