New Delhi: A London court is set to hear fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition on November 23 to reopen his extradition trial. Modi’s plea is based on the claim that he may face interrogation by agencies if repatriated to India. Authorities, however, are expected to counter this claim by assuring the court that Modi will not be subjected to any such questioning.
Modi, who has exhausted all his legal appeals up to the Supreme Court, approached the Westminster Court seeking to reopen his extradition trial. The petition reportedly contends that if extradited, Modi could be interrogated by various agencies, potentially leading to torture.
Officials familiar with the developments stated that the investigative agencies handling the case may reiterate their previous assurances to the court. They will likely emphasize that Modi will be tried strictly according to Indian laws and will not face interrogation upon extradition.
“We have already filed chargesheets in the case. His questioning is not needed at this stage as the investigation is almost complete. He is required to face trial. If the UK court seeks clarification, we may reiterate that he will not be subjected to interrogation if extradited. We have provided such assurance before as well,” said an official.
All investigative agencies probing the allegations against Modi—who is accused of siphoning off over Rs 6,498 crore through hundreds of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking issued from Punjab National Bank (PNB)—are reportedly aligned in their stance that interrogation is unnecessary.
India has also informed the UK authorities that Modi will be held at barrack 12 of Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai upon extradition. This facility reportedly offers protection from violence, is not overcrowded, and provides adequate medical care. The agencies have assured the UK that Modi will face trial in accordance with Indian law and no new charges will be filed against him.
Once a shining star of the Indian jewellery industry, whose brand ‘Nirav’ attracted global celebrities, the 54-year-old diamantaire was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019. The then UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, ordered his extradition in April 2021. Modi has been in prison in London for nearly six years.
Despite multiple bail applications, all have been rejected due to his deemed real and substantial flight risk. Modi faces three sets of criminal proceedings: a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fraud case involving Punjab National Bank, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case concerning alleged money laundering linked to the fraud, and a third case relating to interference with evidence and witnesses in the CBI case.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/london-court-to-hear-nirav-modis-petition-to-reopen-extradition-trial-over-possible-agency-interrogation-in-india
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