New Delhi| In a major setback to fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi, a UK court on Thursday ordered his extradition in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case. Westminster Magistrate Court District Judge Samuel Goje, accepting prima facie evidence against Modi for money laundering, said, “Many of these cases are for trial in India. I am again satisfied that there is evidence that he has To be convicted. ”
The ruling comes after nearly two years of a long legal battle.
Expressing satisfaction over the custody status and medical arrangements in India, the court said, “The conditions in Barrack 12 (at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai) look much better than their current cell in London.”
It was said in favor of Nirav Modi that he cannot be extradited to India due to his deteriorating health and poor conditions in Indian jails during the Kovid-19 epidemic.
According to sources, the court’s verdict will now be forwarded to UK home secretary Preeti Patel for sign-off. Depending on the result, both sides may appeal in the High Court.
Modi, arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019, is accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering, destroying evidence and intimidating witnesses.
