India, April 9 -- 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.

"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...