Key facts
- Ajith Kumar Mupparapu, a UK-based pharmacist, can be extradited to India to stand trial.
- He is accused of poisoning his ex-mother-in-law, Uma Maheshwari, with arsenic-laced spices in 2023.
- Mupparapu allegedly attempted to hire contract killers and conspire to murder his ex-father-in-law, Hanumantha Rao.
- Indian prosecutors allege arsenic levels in victims' blood and urine were over 20 times normal.
- A London court ruled there was an arguable case against Mupparapu and received assurances regarding his treatment.
A London court has ruled that Ajith Kumar Mupparapu, a British-based pharmacist, can be extradited to India to face trial for allegedly poisoning his ex-mother-in-law with arsenic and attempting to murder his ex-father-in-law.
Mupparapu, 46, is accused of targeting his ex-wife Sirisha Muttavarapu and her family in 2023 after their separation. Prosecutors allege he arranged for arsenic-laced chilli powder and salt to be sent to the family in Hyderabad, India, leading to the death of his ex-mother-in-law, Uma Maheshwari, in July 2023. Relatives reportedly consumed meals cooked with the poisoned ingredients during a wedding celebration in June 2023.
Indian prosecutors stated that arsenic levels found in the victims' blood and urine were more than 20 times the normal value. Mupparapu is also alleged to have conspired to murder Muttavarapu's father, Hanumantha Rao, through a staged road accident, attempts to hire contract killers, and plans to inject him with a fatal dose of a muscle relaxant.
Mupparapu's defence lawyers argued that there was insufficient evidence directly linking him to the arsenic found at the family's home or proving his involvement in the plot against his ex-father-in-law. They also raised concerns about his potential mistreatment by Indian authorities if extradited.
However, Judge John Zani ruled that there was at least an arguable case against Mupparapu and that Indian authorities had provided assurances regarding his treatment in custody. Mupparapu has the option to appeal this decision at the High Court.