PNB scam: UK court orders Nirav Modi to be extradited to India
If extradited, Nirav Modi - prime accused in the PNB scam, will be housed in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai.
FollowIn a big setback to fugitive diamond merchant, UK's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, ordered extradition of Nirav Modi to India to stand trial in the 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
The 49-year-old appeared via video link from Wandsworth Prison in south-west London as District Judge Samuel Goozee handed down his judgment at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.
District Judge Samuel Goozee at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court also said that prima facie there is a money laundering case against him. “Many of these are a matter for trial in India,” the judge added. “I am satisfied again that there is evidence he could be convicted.”
Modi is accused of duping the Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,000 crore. He was arrested on March 19, 2019 and has been lodged in London’s Wandsworth jail.
He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or "criminal intimidation to cause death", which were added on to the CBI case.
UK Extradition judge dismissed Nirav Modi's "mental health concerns" and said 'they are not unusual in a man in his circumstances'.
Observing that if Nirav Modi is extradited, there is no evidence to suggest that he will not receive justice, the judge praised the independence of the Indian judiciary.
If extradited, Nirav Modi - prime accused in the PNB scam, will be housed in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai.
