The family of Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi has appealed to the Prime Minister to expedite the extradition of Hussain Mohammad Shattaf from the UAE. This move follows a 20-year legal struggle for justice regarding a 2006 murder case in Lonavala. While the Supreme Court restored the trial in 2023, the proceedings have been stalled by the accused's continued absence and the pending transfer of custody to Indian authorities.
The family of retired Merchant Navy officer Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi is intensifying its efforts to secure legal justice in a two-decade-old murder case. They have submitted a formal representation to the Prime Minister’s Office, requesting immediate intervention to fast-track the extradition of the prime accused, Hussain Mohammad Shattaf, from the United Arab Emirates.
The case dates back to 2006, when an FIR was registered at the Lonavala City Police Station. While the case reached a legal turning point in May 2023, when the Supreme Court of India set aside a previous order by the Bombay High Court that had discharged the accused, the trial at the Vadgaon Maval Sessions Court remains stuck. The primary reason for this deadlock is the inability to bring the accused to face the court, as he is reported to be evading the legal process from outside India.
Status of Extradition Proceedings
Official records and representations from the victim's family indicate that the legal path for bringing the accused back to India involves coordination between state and central authorities. In October 2025, the Maharashtra Home Department reportedly forwarded an extradition proposal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This step was followed by a November 2025 order from the Bombay High Court that acknowledged the ongoing bureaucratic process. However, the complainant, Captain Manjeet Singh Virdi, has expressed concern over the time taken to finalize these diplomatic and legal procedures compared to other recent extradition cases involving fugitives in the UAE.
Beyond the specific charges related to the 2006 murder, the accused is also under scrutiny for other criminal activities, including allegations of forgery and the fraudulent procurement of a passport. To support the legal pursuit, an Interpol Red Corner Notice has been issued against Shattaf. While government agencies have confirmed that the matter is being processed through diplomatic channels, the family continues to press for a more rapid resolution to ensure the trial can finally proceed in the Vadgaon Maval court.
Next Steps for the Legal Process
For observers and the legal community, the key monitorable remains the progress of the extradition request filed with the United Arab Emirates. The next critical development will depend on when the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs can successfully complete the procedural requirements to bring the accused back to India. Until that happens, the trial in the sessions court will likely remain in a state of suspension.