In a significant development, a London court is scheduled to hear fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition on November 23. Modi is seeking to reopen his extradition trial, citing concerns that he could be subjected to interrogation by Indian agencies upon his repatriation. Indian officials are anticipated to challenge this claim, offering assurances that he will not be subjected to further questioning.
Having exhausted all available appeals, including those up to the Supreme Court, Modi has now petitioned the Westminster Court to revisit his trial. Sources indicate his plea is rooted in the fear that extradition to India would lead to extensive interrogation by various agencies, potentially resulting in mistreatment.
In response, Indian investigators are expected to reiterate their previous commitments, affirming that Modi’s return would solely be for trial under Indian legal frameworks, with no plans for additional interrogation.
“Our charge sheets have already been filed, and our investigation is largely complete, making further questioning unnecessary,” stated an official. They further clarified that Modi is primarily required to stand trial, suggesting that Indian agencies might formally reaffirm to the U.K. court that he will not undergo interrogation upon extradition.
The various investigative bodies responsible for probing Modi’s alleged involvement in siphoning over ₹6,498 crore from Punjab National Bank through hundreds of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking are unanimously of the view that additional questioning is not required.
Furthermore, India has previously assured the U.K. authorities that if extradited, Modi would be housed in Barrack 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, described as a safe, uncrowded facility with proper medical provisions. These assurances also include guarantees that he will face trial strictly under Indian law, with no new charges being introduced.
Modi, aged 54, was initially arrested in London on March 19, 2019, based on an extradition warrant. His extradition was approved by then U.K. home secretary Priti Patel in April 2021, meaning he has remained incarcerated for close to six years.
Despite numerous bail applications, U.K. courts have consistently rejected his requests, classifying him as a “real and substantial flight risk.”
In India, Modi faces three distinct criminal proceedings: a fraud case initiated by the CBI concerning the Punjab National Bank, a separate case by the Enforcement Directorate regarding the alleged laundering of illicit proceeds, and a third case related to tampering with evidence and witnesses.