The British Police have asked us to make clear that they have no record of any conviction in his [Ian Stillman's] name

British High Commission in India statement

A police chief in India has described Mr Stillman, from Berkshire, as a "wanted man in Britain".

Interpol and the British High Commission in India have rejected the claim.

In a statement on its website, the high commission confirms Mr Stillman, is not a wanted man.

It states: "The British Police have asked us to make clear that they have no record of any conviction in his name.

"Recent press reports alleging that he is a wanted criminal in the UK are entirely erroneous."

The 50-year-old charity worker, who has an artificial leg after a car accident, was arrested in August 2000, and charged with possessing 20 kilogrammes of cannabis.

On his website however, it states: "At his trial there was no credible evidence. He was refused a translator or sign language interpreter.

Drug networks

"Until recently he has been in cramped, insanitory conditions without medical care. The Kulu police have attacked him in the Indian press."

It was alleged Mr Stillman, who has advised the Indian government on charity issues, has close links with international drug networks.

There were also claims he had committed a "serious crime" in London.

Interpol has been reported as stating: "Interpol has never communicated to the Indian authorities on the said individual.

"We can confirm that there is no one under the name of Ian Stillman sought in the United Kingdom for criminal matters."