Nirav Modi Moves Fifth Bail Application Against Continued Detention In UK Prison Citing Anxiety, Mental Depression

Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering case accused Nirav Modi has moved a fresh bail application, in a fifth attempt to get bail, against his continued detention inside a prison in the United Kingdom.

Modi, who is fighting extradition to India, has cited anxiety and depression in his latest application, since he was arrest on an extradition warrant in March 2019.

Incidentally, he has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in London since his arrest on March 19 on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard on charges brought by the Indian government, being represented by the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in court.

The absconding Modi’s latest bail application will be heard at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on November 6 and he may even be produced in court in person if it is necessary though he is likely to make his appearance through a video link, which was the norm during earlier court hearings.

Modi’s lawyer barrister Clare Montgomery has cited severe conditions in south west London’s Wandsworth prison, besides his troubled state of mind, arguing that he is not a cold-blooded hardened criminal as being claimed by the government of India or somebody who plans to flee from the law.

It may be recalled that in an earlier judgment, Justice Ingrid Simler had concluded there were substantial grounds to believe that Modi may not surrender since he does possess the means to abscond.

Judge Simler had found strong evidence to suggest that there had been interference with witnesses and destruction of evidence in the case and had concluded that it could happen again.

Modi is also scheduled to appear for a regular remand hearing at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 11, through a video link, and that date that still remains on the court’s lists.

Earlier, Judge Nina Tempia had reaffirmed that Modi’s extradition trial is scheduled between May 11 and May 15, 2020, and that he must re-appear through a video link every 28 days for call-over hearings until the case management for the trial kicks in from February 2020.