PNB Fraud Case: Extradition of Nirav Modi to India Is Cleared by UK Govt.

PNB Fraud Case: Extradition of Nirav Modi to India Is Cleared by UK Govt.

On 16 April 2021, United Kingdom's (UK) Home Secretary Priti Patel approved the extradition of fugitive offender Nirav Modi to India.

Fugitive economic offender Nirav Modi who is accused of Punjab National Bank Fraud of Rs 13,500 crore and was wanted by CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to India shall be extradited back to India, unless overturned by the High Court in the country.

A CBI Officer stated that "The government has approved it. It is now up to the court." A UK Court had ordered Modi's extradition following which it was sent to the Secretary of State for approval.

The Court's decision, however, was liable to be challenged after the Secretary of the State had given his approval. Modi had 14 days to challenge this order in the High Court.

Declaring it was satisfied with all conditions necessary for Modi's extradition, the court had said, "Therefore, in accordance with S.87(3) EA 2003, I am sending this case to the Secretary of State for a decision as to whether Nirav Modi is to be extradited."

The jeweler was arrested on 19 March 2019 from a metro station in London on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down.

The judge noted Modi was not involved in a legitimate business as the Letters of Understanding -- that were issued between 2011 and 2017 -- were done without being entered into the CBS system of the PNB to mislead authorities.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that fugitive businessmen Vijaya Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi will come back to India soon to face the law.