International antiques dealer Subash Kapoor, accused of idol thefts, to be handed over to Centre

He was convicted in that case by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kumbakonam, in November 2022 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. After taking into account the period already spent in custody, he completed his sentence and was due for release in February 2023. However, he was subsequently arrested by the Idol Wing CID in four other cases and continued to remain lodged in the Central Prison at Tiruchi.

Wanted in multiple countries

In December last year, Kapoor filed a habeas corpus petition before the Madurai Bench, contending that his continued detention in other cases without Germany’s consent violated the Extradition Treaty between India and Germany.

Meanwhile, the Union government sought to take custody of Kapoor and produce him before the Extradition Court in Patiala House, New Delhi. The High Court held that his continued detention was without authority of law and could not be sustained in the absence of the consent of the requested State, as required under the Extradition Act, 1962, and the Extradition Treaty.

The court directed the Union government to take custody of Kapoor from the Central Prison, Tiruchi, within two weeks and proceed in accordance with law to return him to Germany.

‘Repatriation likely’

A senior Prison Department officer said, “We are yet to receive the order of the High Court. Only after receiving the order will we be in a position to decide the next course of action in accordance with law.”