PNB Fraud Case: British government approves Nirav Modi's extradition, paving way for India

UK Home Minister Preeti Patel has approved the extradition of diamond businessman Nirav Modi, who scammed the Punjab National Bank for Rs 13,000 crore in India. On the plea of the Indian investigating agency CBI, the British court ordered the extradition of Nirav, after which Patel has given permission to send him to India on behalf of the British government.

Nirav Modi (50), who was lodged in London’s Wandsworth Jail since March 2019, along with his maternal uncle Mehul Choksi, had scammed an Indian bank. Of these, Nirav is caught, while Mehul is absconding. District Judge of Westminster Court, London, Samuel Goozy, considered Nirav a scamster and said he should be produced before an Indian court. Justice Goudge has considered the evidence presented by CBI against Nirav strong.

The British court has ruled against Indian jails, Nirav’s mental health and the Indian judicial system, dismissing all the pleas of the diamond businessman’s lawyers. According to Indian diplomatic sources present in London, on the basis of this court order, the UK Home Minister has signed a letter of permission to extradite Nirav. But Nirav also has a chance to appeal in the High Court against the permission of the Home Minister. He can challenge it in the High Court within 14 days of the permission of the Home Minister.

Was arrested in London

It is worth mentioning that in January 2018, Nirav had escaped abroad along with the Modi family after the revelation of a scam of Rs 13,000 crore through PNB’s Line of Credit. The CBI and ED had issued a red corner notice against him on the basis of evidence of Nirav’s involvement in the investigation. In December 2018, Nirav was confirmed to be hiding in London after changing getup and was arrested in London in March 2019. Similarly, the second accused in the scam, Mehul Choksi, had fled to Antigua. Despite not having an extradition treaty with Antigua, the government is pursuing diplomatic efforts for his extradition.