New Delhi: Kohli moves SC challenging extradition

New Delhi, July 11: Maninder Pal Singh Kohli, accused in the rape and murder of British teenager Hannah Foster, today moved the Supreme Court challenging his extradition to England for trial ordered by the Delhi High Court.

The petitioner had fled from England after committing the crime in 2003 in Southhampton. New Delhi Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kamini Lau had permitted Kohli's extradition to Britain.

However, he challenged the order in the Delhi High Court which dismissed his appeal on July 6, 2007.

The petitioner, in his petition filed in the Supreme Court, had contended that the order of both the lower courts are erroneous as there is no evidence against him in the alleged offence. Kohli was a driver in a company in England and had murdered the 16-year old victim after assaulting her sexually.

Kohli had also pleaded for stay of the High Court order till the final disposal of his petition.

The petitioner claimed that he is innocent and is being falsely framed in the case. He also apprehended that he will not get free and fair trial in England if extradited and hence the impugned High Court order may be set aside.

The petition is likely to be mentioned tomorrow before the apex court for urgent hearing.

UNI