UK official signs order to extradite

tycoon Mallya to India

LONDON (AP) — A British official has signed an order that paves the way for tycoon Vijay Mallya’s extradition to India to face financial fraud allegations.

The government office that oversees immigration and other issues said in a statement issued on Monday that Home Secretary Sajid Javid “carefully considered all relevant matters” before signing the extradition order.

Mallya has 14 days to appeal.

Known for his flashy lifestyle, he was a leading figure among India’s business elite. He launched Kingfisher Airlines and owned a stake in the Force India Formula One team.

Mallya is accused in India of conspiracy to defraud, making false representations and money laundering offenses.

He has multiple medical problems, but British Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled last month he could receive adequate medical care in prison if he were extradited.

Australian leader tours floods

where 2 men reported missing

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s prime minister toured the flood-stricken city of Townsville on Tuesday where two men have been reported missing in unprecedented rainfall.

While floodwater receded in Townsville on Tuesday, overnight monsoonal rain created flash-flooding in communities to the north where authorities have warned residents to move to higher ground.

Police are searching for two men who were last seen on Monday morning near flood waters in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale.

Authorities have warned Townsville residents not to swim in flood waters, in which crocodiles and snakes have been spotted among the Townsville suburbs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited a new housing estate where scores of homes had been inundated and one of the evacuation centers where more than 1,000 people are sheltering.

“It was frankly quite overwhelming,” Morrison said of his tour. “I think people are in shock. I think the kids are amazingly resilient.”