Set back to Nirav! UK court paves way for Nirav Modi extradition
Total Views |
New Delhi, February 26: In a significant achievement for India in the fugitive jeweler Nirav Modi case, the UK court on Thursday ordered the extradition of Nirav Modi to India. India has tested this success after fighting a two-year-long legal battle with the UK for Nirav's custody.
While hearing his case, District Judge Samuel Goozee deliver the verdict after reviewing all the evidence against Nirav. A Uk court has also accepted all the cases of the prima facia, money laundering against Nirav. The judge believed that Modi threatened witnesses and tampered with evidence. “I am satisfied that there is evidence that Mr. Modi could be convicted”, he said.
The court has also upheld the assurances of India and rejected the submissions of defense regarding human rights violations, fair trial, and prison conditions. The court delivered the order after observing that Nirav's health condition is fit for the jail, court dismissed all Modi's Mental Health Concerns.
Observing that Nirav Modi had no immediate 'suicide intentions', the court also ruled that Nirav Modi can face proceedings in a healthier state in India. The Uk Judge ruled that Nirav Modi will be given adequate medical treatment and mental health care at Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai. UK Judge said, “There is no risk of suicide for Nirav Modi if he is sent to India as he will have access to adequate medical care at Arthur Road jail. Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai is fit for Nirav Modi."
Declaring it was satisfied with all conditions necessary for extradition, the court 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.”
What was the Case?
The fugitive billionaire is wanted for fraud and money laundering in the ₹ 14,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. In July 2018, India sent a request to the UK to extradite Modi based on ED and CBI charge sheets. Following which he, was arrested on an extradition warrant on 19 March 2019, is accused of money laundering, conspiring to destroy evidence, and intimidating witnesses.