AN appeals court has rejected an Indian man's challenge against his extradition to the UK to face trial for allegedly raping and killing Southampton teenager Hannah Foster, a government lawyer said today.

Justices Mukul Mudgul and PK Bhasin of the New Delhi High Court upheld the magistrate's earlier decision that there was enough evidence to justify sending Maninder Pal Singh Kohli to Britain for trial, said prosecutor AK Vali.

Kohli, an Indian citizen, is wanted by British police for allegedly abducting and killing Hannah, 17, from near her home in Portswood, Southampton, on March 14, 2003. Her body was found two days later, and a post-mortem indicated she had been raped and strangled.

It was still not immediately clear today if or when Kohli will be sent back to Britain. He can still appeal against today's decision in the Supreme Court, India's highest, Vali said.

The Indian government will send him to the UK if the Supreme Court endorses the New Delhi court's decision.

Kohli's lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Kohli travelled to India shortly after British police identified him as the prime suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Indian police apprehended Kohli in 2004 after Hannah's parents visited India, pleading for information on his whereabouts.

Kohli has since been in jail, fighting his extradition.