To extradite Mallya, CBI gives UK court video showing jail comforts

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is trying to get fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya extradited from the UK, has filed a 6-8 minute-long video documentary before a London court highlighting the facilities at Barrack Number 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, where the liquor magnate would be kept in case he is brought to India. According to the NDTV and DNA websites, these include a television set, personal toilet and bedding, a washing area and a courtyard to take a stroll in the sunlight.

The video was prepared after Vijay Mallya complained about "no natural light" or fresh air in Indian jails, prompting the UK judge to ask India for a video of the prison cell where it plans to keep the fraud-accused businessman, NDTV said in its report. "The court wanted us to show if Indian jails are hygienic. We have given them proof of the hygiene level and medical facilities available in jail. In fact, the barrack in which Mr Mallya would be lodged is east-facing so it has lot of sunlight too," a senior level official told NDTV.

"The cell has cross ventilation with a window and bars on opposite sides. The cell also opens to a courtyard," the senior official who was associated with the filming of the clip said. According to him, Vijay Mallya would also be given access to a library to keep himself occupied, added NDTV.

"As far is security is concerned, the jail security matches international standards - we already informed court in last few hearings," the source said. The Home Ministry had recently carried out a security audit of the jail and its findings were also submitted in the court, he said.