New Delhi (NVI): India would liaise with the UK authorities to bring back fugitive businessman Nirav Modi at the earliest, the Ministry of External Affairs said today, hours after a UK court recommended the diamond merchant’s extradition.
“Since the Westminster Magistrate’s Court has recommended Nirav Modi’s extradition to the UK Home Secretary, the Government of India would liaise with the UK authorities for his early extradition to India,” MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said.
Nirav Modi is wanted in India in connection with the multi-million dollar Punjab National Bank Fraud case, Srivastava said.
On the request of CBI and ED, his extradition from UK was sought in August 2018. He was arrested and produced before the Senior District Judge at Westminster Magistrate’s court on 20.03.2019. Since then, he is facing extradition proceedings while in judicial custody. The final hearing in this case was held on 7-8 January 2021, the Ministry spokesman said.
“Today, the Westminster Magistrate’s Court in London has pronounced that Nirav Modi be extradited to India to stand trial. Dismissing the mental health concerns raised by Nirav Modi, the judge observed that Nirav Modi conspired to destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses,” he said.
