UK court approves extradition of pharmacist accused in Indian poison plot

A London court ruled that British pharmacist Ajith Kumar Mupparapu, 46, can be extradited to India to face trial over alleged murder, attempted murder and conspiracy involving his estranged wife’s family in Hyderabad. Indian authorities allege that he helped arrange arsenic-laced food that killed his mother-in-law, Uma Maheshwari, in 2023, and pursued several plots against his father-in-law, including poisoning, contract killings, a staged road accident and a lethal injection. District Judge John Zani found there was an arguable case and accepted assurances from India about Mupparapu’s treatment in custody. His lawyers challenged the extradition, citing insufficient evidence and fears of torture, and he may appeal the ruling in the High Court.