Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 19-02-2018
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that Atul Gupta has filed an application for the reconsideration of the preservation order that was used to freeze R10 million linked to the controversial Estina dairy farm scandal.
This comes after an arrest warrant was issued for his brother Ajay Gupta who’s on the run and been declared a fugitive.
It is alleged that Ajay unlawfully netted more than R100 million of state funds from the project that was meant to benefit the poor.
It’s emerged the Gupta brothers are both seeking refuge in India
Ajay and Atul were reportedly spotted in various Indian cities over the last few days.
SABC Indian correspondent Neha Poonia told the broadcaster the Gupta brothers apparently first headed to their hometown of Saharanpur in the Indian state of Utar Pradesh where they were seen attending a religious function.
Poonia says locals claim the brothers appeared untroubled and unfazed by the investigation going against them in South Africa and the two also attended a wedding in Agra.
Poonia says it’s ironic that while Ajay has been declared a fugitive in South Africa, in India he continues to enjoy tremendous clout and various privileges.
She says the Gupta family enjoys category “Z” security in India, which is the highest level of protection that the state can offer to a private individual.
Poonia says India and South Africa do have an extradition treaty for the exchange of criminals, but because it’s a legal matter, the entire process can take up to six months or even longer.
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