New Delhi, Oct 4: Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi will appear before a London court on November 23 to pursue a petition seeking the reopening of his extradition trial. Modi contends that if repatriated to India, he could be subjected to interrogation by investigative agencies, a claim Indian authorities are expected to counter by reaffirming that he will face trial strictly under Indian laws.
Modi, who has exhausted all appeals up to the Supreme Court, filed the plea at Westminster Court, arguing that agency questioning may lead to mistreatment. Officials familiar with the matter said agencies may reiterate their past assurances that Modi’s trial will proceed legally, and he will not be interrogated during the process.
“We have already filed chargesheets, and his questioning is not required at this stage. He is needed to face trial. If the UK court seeks clarification, we will confirm he will not be subjected to interrogation,” said a government source.
Modi, accused of siphoning over ₹6,498 crore via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking from Punjab National Bank, will be tried under Indian laws. Authorities have assured the UK that he will be held in a secure facility at Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai, with medical facilities and protection from mistreatment. No new charges will be filed against him.
Once a prominent figure in the global jewellery industry, Modi was arrested in London on March 19, 2019, and the UK Home Secretary approved his extradition in April 2021. He has been in UK custody for nearly six years, having exhausted multiple bail applications.
Modi currently faces three criminal proceedings: the CBI case concerning PNB fraud, the ED case related to alleged money laundering of fraud proceeds, and a third case involving alleged interference with witnesses and evidence in the CBI proceedings.