Remand for father wanted over sons' deaths

A 43-year-old man was remanded in custody by the High Court today as German police sought his extradition to answer accusations that he killed his two children.

Indian-born Bhupendraroy Champanery is wanted for questioning after his two sons, aged four and five, were found dead in the River Main in Frankfurt on July 24.

The boys had been bound together with a belt and detectives suspect they were poisoned.

The High Court heard that Champanery, who was arrested in Co Kerry just after 5pm last night, told officers at the Extradition Unit that the drownings were an accident.

He told detectives: “I know only I was pulled down into the river with my children,” Mr Justice Michael Peart was told at the specially convened sitting at the foot of the extradition warrant.

Champanery added that he and his children “fell” into the river.

Champanery, who is separated from the boys’ mother, arrived in Ireland earlier this week seeking asylum.

He was arrested by Irish police at temporary health board accommodation in Killarney, when his description matched an alert issued by Interpol.

Mr Justice Peart remanded Champanery in custody at Clover Hill Prison to reappear at the High Court on August 15 at 10.30am.

Champanery refused to consent to be extradited.