Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s fourth attempt to secure bail in the ongoing extradition case failed after a judge in the high court of England and Wales said there is compelling evidence that he has tried to interfere with witness statements.
Lodged in the overcrowded Wandsworth jail in west London, Nirav Modi’s lawyer, Claire Montgomery, on Tuesday set out various grounds to seek bail, while the Indian side represented by the Crown Prosecution Service opposed it.
Reading her ruling in the court, Judge Ingrid Simpler said there is evidence to see that manipulation and attempt to destroy evidence has been made.
“It seems he has the means to access funds. It is difficult for me to see why the UK should be a safe haven for him to escape extradition”, the judge said, adding that there are still places in the world where one can move to in order to avoid extradition.
Also read:In Nirav Modi extradition case, India’s paperwork under focus in London court
The Westminster Magistrates Court, which is to decide on India’s request to extradite him to face major charges of financial fraud, had earlier thrice rejected his bail request.
Nirav Modi, who was arrested by Scotland Yard on March 19, is accused in India of major financial irregularities running into thousands of crores linked to the Punjab National Bank.
First Published:
Jun 12, 2019 14:36 IST
Source: HindustanTimes