UK court okays extradition of Nirav Modi to India |
A UK court on 25th February 2021 ordered the extradition of fugitive jeweler Nirav Modi to India. Nirav is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate in a 1.85 billion dollar bank loan fraud case. The UK Court delivered the verdict holding that the evidence against Modi was prima facie sufficient to order his extradition to India to face the charges. The Court also upheld the assurances of the Indian government and rejected the submissions of defense regarding human rights violations, fair trial, and prison conditions. The court, however, said Modi would have the right to appeal to the High Court against the decision to send the case to the Secretary of State. However, this appeal would not be heard until the Secretary of State has made a decision. The CBI said, “Today`s judgment of Westminster Magistrates` Court is a significant achievement in the context of CBI`s efforts to curb corruption and is a reminder that fugitives, who have eluded the process of law after commission of large value frauds, cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions.” Modi along with his uncle Mehul Choksi had been booked by Indian investigative agencies - CBI and ED - in January 2018 for what is now known as the Punjab National Bank ( PNB ) loan scam. In July 2018, India sent a request to the UK to extradite Modi based on ED and CBI charge sheets. Diamond traders Modi and Choksi had together defrauded PNB of 1.85 billion dollars through fraudulent letters of undertaking. Both fled the country before an FIR was registered by the CBI against them in 2018.
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