Published By : Sourabha Parida | February 25, 2021 5:11 PM
Share
New Delhi, Feb 25: In a major setback to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, a UK court on Thursday ordered his extradition in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case. The District Judge at the Westminster Magistrates' Court, Samuel Goozee, accepted the prima facie evidence against Modi for money laundering, saying: "Many of these are a matter for trial in India. I am satisfied again that there is evidence he could be convicted," according to reports. The development came after almost a two-year long legal battle. Expressing satisfaction over the detention condition and medical arrangements in India, the court said, "Conditions in Barack 12 (at the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai) look far better than his current cell in London." The observations came after Nirav Modi's side had argued that he can't be extradited to India due to his worsening mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic and the poor conditions in the Indian prisons. According to sources, the court ruling will now be sent to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel for a sign-off. Depending on the outcome, appeals may be made in the high court by either side. The charges against the fugitive diamantaire centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Stellar Diamonds and Solar Exports for making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by the PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking' (LoUs). Arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK had earlier sought to establish that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure the LoUs. The LoUs were issued to his companies without required credit checks, sans recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. This resulted in a fraud amounting to nearly $2 billion (Rs 13,500 crore). Modi, who was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019, is accused of money laundering, conspiring to destroy evidence and intimidating witnesses. (IANS)
Prameya English Is Now On WhatsApp Join And Get Latest News Updates Delivered To You Via WhatsApp
You Might Also Like
More From Related News
Bhubaneswar all set to host National Fish Farmers’ Day tomorrow; Three Central Ministers to attend
Bharat Bandh LIVE: Trains, Buses Affected Across India, Bank Unions Join Stir
“Shiv Sena‑Style” MLA Slaps, Punches Canteen Staff Over Stinking Dal – Caught on Camera
Over 1.11 lakh undertake Amarnath Yatra 2025 in six days, 7,579 pilgrims depart today
From Moradabad, India to Cupertino: Apple Guru Sabih Khan Named New Chief Operating Officer
PM Modi Conferred with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honour, Marking His 26th Global Award
Watch! Three killed as Gambhira Bridge collapses in Gujarat's Vadodara
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s father passes away at AIIMS Jodhpur
Shubhanshu Shukla and Ax-4 Team Push Scientific Boundaries as Mission Nears End
US-India Trade Talks Get Lifeline: Tariff Deadline Pushed to August 1, 2025
5,000 Indians to Apply: UAE's New Golden Visa Bypasses Trade License and Property Requirements
Tahawwur Rana's Admission in NIA Custody Confirms Pakistani State's Role in Terror Attacks
BRICS Finds Common Cause in Criticizing US Economic and Military Actions
Massive celebrations mark Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday, Global leaders extend greetings
Monsoon fury in Himachal: 78 dead, roads blocked, and crops damaged
Army Doctor helps deliver a baby at Jhansi Railway platform using just a hair clip and pocket knife
'Operation Sindoor' Tribute Marks Grand Welcome for PM Modi in Brazil
PM Modi meets President of Argentina Javier Milei, invites him to India
PM Modi conferred with Key to the City of Buenos Aires
Dalai Lama to celebrate his 90th Birthday tomorrow