Govt tells SC it is trying to extradite Quattrocchi to India

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) The government today informed the Supreme Court that it was taking all possible steps for extradition of main suspect in Bofors Gun Scandal Ottavio Quottrocchi, an Italian to India for his trial in the case.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told the bench comprising Justices C K Thakker and Tarun Chatterjee that the next hearing in the extradition case pending in Argentina is fixed in May. Quattrocchi is still in Argentina.

The court adjourned the hearing till the third week of July after having been assured that all possible efforts were being made by the government of India to ensure the extradition of the Italian fugitive, family friend of Gandhi family.

CBI has been on the look out for the accused for last over a decade and red corner notice was issued by the Interpol. He was detained by the Argentinian authorities on February 8 and was later released on bail on February 23 subject to the condition that he would not leave the country without permission of the Argentinian courts.

Rs. 64 crores gun scandal came to light in 1989 and many suspects namely Win Chadha, former defence secretary S.K. Bhatnagar have already expired.

Rajiv Gandhi was ousted from power by VP Singh on the anti- corruption plank after exposure of the scandal.

UNI