London/New Delhi:Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, wanted in connection with the ₹6,498 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, has filed a fresh application before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London challenging his extradition to India, sources confirmed.
The move comes despite the UK High Court’s November 9, 2022 ruling, which rejected Modi’s final appeal and upheld earlier orders allowing his extradition. The High Court had also dismissed his request to escalate the case to the UK Supreme Court.
According to sources, Modi’s latest petition was filed last month, and officials along with the Indian government’s legal team in London are preparing to respond. The development follows a recent inspection by the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at Tihar Jail, where Modi would likely be lodged if extradited.
Earlier, in May 2022, the UK High Court denied Modi’s bail plea, despite arguments citing health and humanitarian grounds. His legal team claimed that extended detention in prison posed serious risks to his physical and mental well-being. However, the courts maintained that such concerns did not outweigh the likelihood of him attempting to abscond, branding him a flight risk.
Multiple Cases in India
Modi, who has been lodged at Wandsworth Prison in London since his arrest in March 2019 under an extradition warrant, faces three separate criminal proceedings in India:
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A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case relating to fraud on PNB.
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An Enforcement Directorate (ED) case concerning laundering of the fraud’s proceeds.
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A separate CBI case linked to alleged interference with witnesses and evidence.
In April 2021, former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel formally approved his extradition. However, repeated appeals and legal challenges by Modi’s defense team have delayed the process.
Modi, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, is accused of orchestrating the ₹13,000 crore PNB fraud, one of the largest banking scams in India’s history.
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