Belgium rejects plea for extradition of key accused in murder of deaf and mute man

Authorities in Belgium have rejected Mumbai police's request to extradite Jagpalpreet Kamal Singh, a Brussels resident of Indian origin accused of provoking two deaf and mute city residents to kill a deaf and mute man in Pydhonie in August last year.

- Vinay Dalvi

MUMBAI:

"We were in touch with authorities in Brussels via various ministries. But since we don't have a mutual assistance treaty with Belgium, our request for extradition has been rejected," a police officer aware of the matter told Hindustan Times. The trial against Singh will now be conducted in absentia, he said.

The Pydhonie police had earlier issued a red corner notice against Singh, who is also hearing and speech impaired. He was questioned by Belgian authorities in October 2024 after he shared videos of his calls with the two accused on community WhatsApp groups and members reported about his alleged involvement in the crime.