Goa, Jan. 1 -- India has initiated formal extradition proceedings to bring back fugitive Hussain Mohammad Shattaf, also known as Hussain Mahboob Khokhawala, from the United Arab Emirates. He is the prime accused in the 2006 murder of retired Merchant Navy officer Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi, who was shot dead at his residence in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that a formal request has been sent to the Indian Embassy in the UAE.

Investigators allege Shattaf fled India after the murder and has been living in the UAE using forged documents, including a fake marriage certificate. He also faces charges of fraud, criminal breach of trust and passport violations. Diplomatic efforts are now unde...