Captain Virdi murder trial stalled; family writes to PM Modi
Nearly two decades after the brutal murder of retired Merchant Navy officer Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi, his family has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to expedite the extradition of prime accused, Hussain Shattaf, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The prolonged delay has brought the trial to a virtual standstill, denying justice to the victim’s kin.
In a formal representation addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, Captain Manjit Singh Virdi (Retd.), the victim’s brother and original complainant, highlighted the family’s continued suffering and urged the Centre to fast-track Shattaf’s return to India.
“I write this representation with utmost respect as the original complainant in a serious criminal case,” Capt. Virdi stated, referring to FIR number 46 of 2006 registered at Lonavala City Police Station.
The case is now registered as Sessions Case number 5 of 2024 before the Sessions Court at Wadgaon Maval.
The appeal comes months after the Union Government initiated extradition proceedings against Shattaf through diplomatic channels with the UAE.
The family’s frustration stems from repeated legal hurdles.
The Supreme Court, in its order dated May 18, 2023, in Criminal Appeal number 1399 of 2023, revived the murder trial by setting aside the Bombay High Court’s order that had discharged the accused.
Despite this, proceedings have remained frozen because Shattaf has failed to appear before the trial court.
“Despite the pendency of a serious criminal trial, the accused has not appeared physically before the Trial Court and continues to evade the process of law. Due to this conduct, the family of the victim continues to suffer injustice since the murder of Captain Virdi,” the representation noted.
In a subsequent order dated November 20, 2025, the Bombay High Court recorded that the Maharashtra Home Department had forwarded an extradition proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 31, 2025, and that the matter was pending with the Centre.
Capt. Virdi pointed out that the continued absence of the accused has caused “grave prejudice” to the family. He noted that he is now a “super senior citizen” yet remains committed to pursuing justice
The representation also drew attention to India’s successful extradition of several other fugitives from the UAE in recent times.
“More than five accused persons have recently been extradited from the UAE,” it stated, questioning why similar urgency has not been shown in Shattaf’s case despite multiple pending criminal proceedings against him, including charges of forgery and use of fake documents.
Hussain Shattaf faces charges of murder under the Indian Penal Code along with other serious offences registered by Mumbai Police.
He allegedly fled India after being charged in the 2006 case and has been residing in the UAE. Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against him.
Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi was murdered in Lonavala, Maharashtra, in 2006. According to the police, Shattaf and others were involved in the crime. The trial has seen multiple twists, including discharge orders that were later overturned by the Supreme Court.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that India has formally requested Shattaf’s extradition through diplomatic channels.
The victim’s family is now pinning hopes on Prime Minister Modi’s intervention to break the deadlock.
In their plea, the family has requested the Prime Minister’s Office to issue necessary directions to concerned ministries so that Hussain Shattaf can be extradited and produced before the competent court at the earliest, bringing an end to what they describe as a long denial of justice.
