PNB Scam PNB Scam: UK court rejects Nirmav Modi's plea opposing extradition to India
Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, who is the main accused in Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has moved a step closer to extradition to India after a UK court rejected his plea against it, according to media reports.
Nirav Modi, 51, fled India when the PNB scam was unearthed and a multi-agency probe began.
He faces cheating and money laundering charges.
He appealed against the extradition citing mental health issues.
His lawyers contended that he was suffering from depression and was at suicide risk, and extradition to India could worsen his condition owing to the hostile environment in the country where politicians demonised him, according to a report in the media.
Nirav Modi is lodged in Wandsworth prison in London.
The Royal Courts of Justice noted that his extradition wouldn't be "unjust or oppressive", the report said.
Last year, the Westminster Magistrates’ Court had ruled in favour of extradition.
On October 12, the Royal Courts of Justice had reserved its judgment on Nirav Modi's plea.
Hearing the appeal, the court noted that the UK must honour its extradition treaty obligations by not picking holes in the Indian government’s assurances that Nirav Modi will be provided with adequate medical care at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, the report said.
Nirav Modi's defence also accused the Indian media of slandering him and highlighted how the public showed its wrath by burning his effigies.
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