New Delhi: A London court is set to hear fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition on November 23, seeking to reopen his extradition trial over concerns that he might face interrogation by Indian agencies if returned to India. Authorities are expected to counter this claim, assuring the court that Modi will not be questioned upon extradition.
Modi, who has exhausted all legal remedies up to India’s Supreme Court, approached Westminster Court arguing that his extradition could subject him to interrogation and potential mistreatment. Investigating agencies, however, are likely to reiterate their prior assurances that Modi will be tried in India strictly under the law, without any questioning by investigative bodies.
An official familiar with the matter said, “We have already filed the chargesheets. His questioning is not required at this stage as our investigation is nearly complete. He is needed to face trial. Should the UK court ask, we may again confirm that he will not be subjected to interrogation if extradited. Such assurance has been given in the past as well.”
All agencies handling cases against Modi — accused of siphoning over ₹6,498 crore via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking from Punjab National Bank — agree that his interrogation is unnecessary. India has informed the UK that Modi would be housed in Barrack 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Prison, a facility free from overcrowding, violence, or mistreatment, with proper medical care.
The authorities have also assured that Modi will face trial according to Indian law and that no new charges will be added.
Once a prominent figure in the Indian jewelry industry, whose brand Nirav attracted global celebrities, the 54-year-old was arrested in London on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019. The then UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, approved his extradition in April 2021. Modi has spent nearly six years in a London prison and has had all his bail applications rejected due to a high flight risk.
He is currently facing three sets of criminal proceedings: the CBI case involving fraud at Punjab National Bank, the Enforcement Directorate case concerning alleged money laundering of the fraud proceeds, and a separate case related to interference with evidence and witnesses in the CBI investigation.
