Extradition steps are due to begin against a man wanted on serious charges relating to alleged domestic violence and demanding a dowry in India - after the Newham Recorder tracked down the accused and brought the case to the attention of the authorities.
Wife Fathima Sumaya Khan, who lived in East Ham, has fought a determined battle for her ex-husband to be brought to his native India from the UK to face the criminal case against him.
Last week the Recorder confronted the accused, Ahmed Anees Hussain, who has been living in the UK, as to why he has not answered the criminal case launched four years ago in his homeland.
Mr Hussain protested his innocence and pledged to face up to the accusations within the next 12 months.
However, we have notified Indian police of his whereabouts.
After being contacted by the Recorder, police in India confirmed they will soon begin steps to issue a Red Notice against Mr Hussain, which requests Interpol to seek arrest of someone with a view to their extradition.
Bengaluru City Police commissioner MN Reddi said: “A look out notice is issued against the accused. We will soon issue a Red Corner Notice.”
Mr Reddi failed to respond to repeated requests for more information regarding the steps they would take and the likely timescale.
Ms Khan, who lived in Katherine Road, East Ham, for some months during her marriage, has fought for her ex-husband to be deported since October 2011, when Bengaluru Police issued charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act and Indian Penal Code against Mr Hussain, his mother and his sister.
Commenting on the latest developments, Ms Khan pleaded with the British authorities to act as soon as the notice is made.
The 32-year-old said: “I have been fighting for justice with great patience since 2011.
“I have been leading a miserable life. A life filled with sadness and hopelessness.
“The Bengaluru police have been sitting on the case for the last four years doing nothing and now is the time to act. I hope after having seen these articles it will force them.
“I also want David Cameron to please look into my case and deport my ex-husband to India, so that he faces imminent arrest and faces a court here.”
The office of the prime minister did not comment when contacted by the Recorder.
The Muslim couple had an arranged marriage in Bangalore, now known as Bengaluru, in May 2010.
A week before the wedding Mr Hussain’s family allegedly demanded expensive gifts and jewellery in payment of dowry, a serious crime in India. This is something he denies.
Shortly after their wedding the couple moved to Norfolk and she claims this is when his behaviour worsened.
She returned to Bengaluru in October 2011 and severed contact with her husband, later filing for divorce.
Ms Khan’s father, Basheer Ahamed Khan, a retired senior police officer, said: “I request the honourable prime minister of the UK, Mr David Cameron and the honourable prime minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, to help my daughter get justice and give a new life to her. It is a pained father and mother’s plea.”
Mr Hussain is listed by the courts in India as having “absconded” and a Look Out Circular has been issued against him for each of the last four years.
The 37-year-old, who lives in a flat near Norwich city centre, faces charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act and Indian Penal Code.
The sections of the law he is charged under includes accusations of ‘subjecting her to cruelty’, ‘criminal intimidation’ and ‘giving’, ‘taking’ or ‘demanding’ dowry.
In the most serious of cases it can lead to up to seven years imprisonment.
He vehemently denies all of the accusations made against him and claims he fully intends to face the charges.
“I am the victim in this and I am in hell over it,” he said. “When I get the money I will go back and sort it out and show that I am innocent.”
The case highlights how easy it can potentially be for those wanted on criminal charges in another country to evade the courts by living in the United Kingdom.
MP for East Ham, Stephen Timms, said: “Extradition law is complex. This case illustrates how easy it can be for those facing criminal charges to come to the UK and avoid a trial.
“I have raised cases similar to this in the House of Commons.
“I would hope that – if the Indian authorities applied for extradition – then the Home Office would comply.”
*Do you have a story for the Investigations Unit? Contact Emma Youle on 07785 616 237 or email emma.youle@archant.co.uk
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