NEW YORK: After clouding Los Angeles law enforcement authorities, Vijaya Nand Sharma was arrested in New York on May 9.

‘The so-called notorious “Slum lord,” 48yrold from India, Sharma was arrested by an off duly investigator working with Sullivan County district attorney; He was reported by the investigator after receiving a tip from LA law enforcement authorities, who had secretly pursued a friend of Sharma’s to an undisclosed place, where a meeting was scheduled.

Sharma, a fugitive of eight years was being held without bail Because of the risk of escaping again. LA City attorney James Hahn reported that he was planning to ask Governor Wilson to issue warrants in order to facilitate extradition to California.

Authorities reported that Sharma has lived in Canada, Scotland and U.S. A couple of years ago authorities received a tip about Sharma living in Pallos Verdes, but he disappeared before police arrived with arrest warrant. “This is a great day for this office,” Hahn said, “We have been. Following this man since 1988, and we never gave up.”

Sharma was convicted in 1987 on 112 counts of violating health, safety, building and fire codes, at five apartment buildings. From the day he was to be sentenced, he failed to appear. Sharma was sentenced originally to spend 20 months in jail, pay a $153,000 fine and pay $100,000 in overdue utility bills.

If he is returned to Los Angeles, he could face as many as 56 years in prison and six months, for each of the 112 counts on which he was convicted, Hahn said. “The probation report on this man recommended no probation,” Hahn said, “He was described as callous and insensitive.”

At one point during his years as 4 fugitives, Sharma was arrested by Now Jersey authorities. However, he was released by mistake before Los Angeles officials could uski that he be held in custody. Sharma has been living in New York for at Joust two years and was using his brother’s name, Hahn said, Los Angeles officials received a tip about him recently and contacted New York authorities.

Hahn sold a hearing will be held in which Sharma will be asked to waive extradition proceedings.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 15, 1996