The Central Bureau of Investigation has engaged a leading local law firm to assist it in the proceedings for extradition of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, wanted in India in connection with the Bofors kickbacks case.
Indian Ambassador Pramathesh Rath said the CBI team, which was currently in El Dorado city, has appointed a lawyer who would assist the public prosecutor given by the Argentinean government to plead CBI's before the judge there.
There was no confirmation of reports that the judge would commence initial hearing of evidence before the actual proceedings from March 22.
Meanwhile, Quattrocchi has moved to a private apartment from the Sheraton Hotel after constant media chase, which his lawyer said was annoying and a harassment.
Quattrocchi was detained at the Iguazo international airport in Argentina's Misiones province on February 7 on the basis of an Interpol Red Corner Notice.
An Argentinean court granted him bail, but ordered him not to leave the country.
A two-member team of CBI officials has gone to Argentina to extradite him. The Argentinean government has already sent papers submitted by India for his extradition to a court in El Dorado city in Misiones.