INTERPOL Red Notice Request Issued by India Expected for Norfolk Man

On 15 July 2015, police in India confirmed that they would initiate the steps required in order to issue an INTERPOL Red Notice against Ahmed Anees Hussain, in relation to allegations that he demanded expensive gifts in payment for a dowry, and subjected his wife to cruelty. The report is here.

Background

In September 2011, police in Bangalore, India, laid charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, and the Indian Penal Code 1860, against Mr Hussain, as well as his sister and mother.

According to the report, the charges against Mr Hussain include committing “criminal intimidation”, and the “giving”, “taking” or “demanding” of a dowry, and subjecting [his former wife, Fathima Sumaya Khan] to “cruelty”. Mr Hussain denies the offences.

Mr Hussain married Ms Khan in an arranged marriage in May 2010. A week before the wedding, Mr Hussain, and his sister and mother, allegedly demanded expensive gifts and jewellery in payment for a dowry.

The couple returned to Norfolk, in the United Kingdom, where Mr Hussain’s behaviour towards his wife reportedly deteriorated. Ms Khan returned to Bangalore, in 2011, and filed for divorce.

2015 Development

Mr Hussain is formally reported to have “absconded” from India in 2011, and a ‘Look Out Notice’ was issued for him. It appears that a Look Out Notice is a letter, circulated between authorities in India, with a view to establishing whether a person is wanted by police, at immigration check posts such as airports or sea ports. This notice remains in force.

On 15 July 2015, police in India stated that they would take steps to issue an INTERPOL Red Notice, seeking the arrest of Mr Hussain, with a view to his extradition from the UK to India. Mr Hussain has stated his intention to return to India and face the accusations, within the next 12 months. On 23 July 2015, it was further reported that the MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, has pledged to write to both the Home Secretary and the Indian High Commissioner about the matter. The report is here.

If any extradition proceedings follow in this case, one of the questions that the District Judge would need to consider is whether the alleged conduct set out in the extradition request amounts to an extradition offence.