Nearly two decades after the murder of retired Merchant Navy Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi, his family has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate the extradition of prime suspect Hussain Mohammad Shattaf from the UAE, citing prolonged delay in delivering justice.
Key Takeaways
- Family of Capt. Manmohan Singh Virdi seeks Modi's intervention.
- Accused Hussain Mohammad Shattaf remains in UAE, delaying trial.
- Supreme Court revived case; extradition still pending.
About 20 years ago, retired Merchant Navy Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi was brutally murdered. The principal accused, Hussain Mohammad Shattaf, fled the country shortly after the incident and is believed to be residing in the United Arab Emirates. Since then, the victim’s relatives have repeatedly called for justice, but the extradition process has stalled.
Family’s Appeal to the Prime Minister
The victim’s elder brother and original complainant, retired Captain Manjeet Singh Virdi, submitted a formal representation to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). In it, he wrote, “The accused has remained outside India for years, preventing the trial from moving forward. We have waited nearly 20 years for justice.” He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the relevant ministries to fast‑track Shattaf’s extradition so the long‑pending murder trial can finally proceed.
Legal Timeline and Supreme Court Intervention
The case originated with an FIR lodged at Lonavala City Police Station, Pune, in 2006 and is currently pending before the Sessions Court at Vadgaon Maval (Sessions Case No. 5 of 2024). On May 18 2023, the Supreme Court set aside a Bombay High Court order that had discharged the accused, thereby reviving the murder trial. However, without the accused’s presence, the proceedings have been at a standstill.
Extradition Process and Diplomatic Channels
According to a Bombay High Court order dated November 20 2025, the Maharashtra Home Department forwarded an extradition proposal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on October 31 2025. Despite this, Shattaf has not yet been handed over to Indian authorities. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs confirm that diplomatic channels with the UAE have been activated, but bureaucratic hurdles and procedural delays continue to impede the process.
Wider Implications and Public Sentiment
The family highlighted that several other fugitives have been successfully extradited from the UAE in recent years, questioning why this case has seen no breakthrough. A swift resolution would not only bring closure to the Virdi family but also reinforce confidence in India’s ability to secure international cooperation in high‑profile criminal matters.
