SC takes govt to task on Bofors accused's extradition

The Supreme Court today sought details from the government on the steps taken for extradition of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors pay-off case, and his detention in Argentina earlier this month.

A bench, headed by Justice CK Thakker, issued notices to the Centre and CBI and sought their replies within a week.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subrahmaniam, while accepting the notices, said a special team of CBI was being sent to Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, for expediting the extradition process.

The court issued the direction after a lawyer, Ashok Aggarwal who had filed a PIL on the issue, made a mention of Quattrocchi's detention at Iguazu international airport in Buenos Aires on February 6 on the basis of a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol at the behest of the CBI.

He alleged that though the CBI was aware of Quattrocchi's detention from

February 7, it kept the matter under wraps for "obvious" reasons. The Bench remarked that it was a serious matter. Later, Subrahmaniam said the two countries did not have an extradition agreement which could make it difficult for the Indian government to get him extradited.