New Delhi: In a setback to India’s efforts to expeditiously get back Vijay Mallya, facing arrest for money laundering, the UK has made it clear that the liquor baron cannot be deported and asked India to seek his extradition.

However, the British government said it acknowledges “the seriousness of allegations” against Mallya and was “keen to assist” the Indian government.

The UK government’s response came nearly a fortnight after India made a request for the deportation of Mallya, whose Indian passport was revoked in a bid to secure his presence for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002. There is also a non-bailable warrant issued against Mallya. “The UK government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred. “At the same time the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist the Government of India. They have asked GoI to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. — PTI