Published 2 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
UK pharmacist can be sent to India to stand trial for ex-mother-in-law's arsenic death
Judge John Zani said evidence showed an arguable case and Indian authorities gave custody assurances, allowing Mupparapu to appeal the extradition order.
On Friday, a London court ruled that British-based pharmacist Ajith Kumar Mupparapu can be extradited to India to face trial for allegedly poisoning his ex-wife's family with arsenic.
Prosecutors allege Mupparapu targeted Sirisha Muttavarapu and her family in 2023, killing her mother Uma Maheshwari by lacing spices with arsenic before a family wedding.
Indian authorities reported arsenic levels in victims' blood were more than 20 times the normal value, and alleged Mupparapu also attempted to murder Muttavarapu's father, Hanumantha Rao, via staged accidents and contract killers.
But Judge John Zani rejected defense arguments of insufficient evidence and torture risks, ruling the case against Mupparapu is arguable and citing Indian assurances regarding his treatment in custody.
Mupparapu may challenge the decision at the High Court, though his legal team did not immediately comment on the ruling following the proceedings.
A British court has ruled to extradite a pharmacist wanted in India for poisoning his ex-wife's family with arsenic. Indian authorities have assured him of protection in custody.