New Delhi, India – A high court in India has upheld the decision of the federal government to extradite an Indian citizen, accused of killing five of a family in Oman.

The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the Indian government’s decision to send back Majibullah Mohammad Haneef, charged with the murder of an Omani family, including three children, to the sultanate.  

According to Indian media reports, the court dismissed the petition of the accused challenging a trial court order recommending his extradition to Oman for facing trial on murder charges.

In July 2019, an Omani national, along with his wife and three minors, was found dead at home. According to reports, Haneef, the main accused, left Oman soon after and was arrested in his home country in September that year along with three other accomplices.

The offence has been termed as premeditated murder punishable under Article 302A of the Penal Code of Oman.

Haneef’s extradition was recommended by the trial court following an inquiry prompted by a request from the federal government.

The high court upheld the decision, citing murder as an extraditable offence under the Extradition Treaty between India and Oman, media reports stated.

Addressing concerns about a fair trial, India engaged with Oman, seeking assurances regarding Haneef’s fair trial, free legal aid, and the services of an interpreter.

Oman assured India that Haneef would have a fair and just trial, legal representation, and an interpreter during the investigation and trial. Legal provisions in Oman related to the death penalty, commutation, and pardon were also clarified. 

Justice Amit Bansal affirmed the trial court’s observation in the inquiry report, stating that all requirements for extraditing Haneef were satisfied.