(LiveMint)
Indian investigators have begun the process of seeking fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi’s extradition after the UK confirmed his presence in the country during the weekend. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sent an extradition request for Nirav Modi to the Union home ministry, which in turn will forward it to the ministry of external affairs for final action.
The investigating agency has requested the UK authorities to detain Nirav Modi, with Interpol having already issued a red corner notice (RCN) against the diamantaire on 2 July. “The UK authorities confirmed Nirav Modi’s presence and CBI has now sent the extradition papers to the home ministry. CBI, through Interpol, has also informed UK authorities that Nirav Modi is to be detained, as a red corner notice exists against him,” said a senior CBI official, requesting anonymity.
Nirav Modi and his uncle, Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi, are the prime accused in the ₹14,356 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. Nirav Modi and Choksi will take up to 29 the number of fugitives whose extradition India has sought from the UK since 2002. The UK government in the past 16 years has rejected India’s request for extradition in nine cases. The UK courts also declined to issue arrest warrants for three more fugitives whom New Delhi wanted London to extradite. This effectively ruled out extradition in 12 of the cases sought by India. In the case of 15 others, including business tycoon Vijay Mallya, extradition is still pending.
