Rahul Gandhi was on Saturday granted bail by a Patna court in connection with a defamation case filed by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi over his 'all thieves have Modi surname'&nbsp;remark.

Gandhi was released on Rs 10,000 surety amount by Patna court.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Gandhi said, "Those who stand against the ideology of RSS and Narendra Modi, they face attacks and court cases. My fight is to save the Constitution and stand with poor, farmers and labours of India, that is why I am here today. I will stand with the voice of India which was being suppressed."

Sushil Modi had filed a case before the court in April this year, taking exception to a sarcastic remark made by Gandhi at an election rally in Karnataka's Kolar district that all thieves had the surname Modi.

Here, Gandhi was indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bank-fraud accused Nirav Modi and former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi.

Meanwhile, the Gandhi scion publically announced his resignation from the post of Congress president in a four-page letter posted on Twitter on July 03.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi was on Saturday granted bail by a Patna court in connection with a defamation case filed by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi over his 'all thieves have Modi surname' remark.

Rahul Gandhi was on Saturday granted bail by a Patna court in connection with a defamation case filed by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi over his 'all thieves have Modi surname' remark. Gandhi was released on Rs 10,000 surety amount by Patna court. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Gandhi said, "Those who stand against the ideology of RSS and Narendra Modi, they face attacks and court cases. My fight is to save the Constitution and stand with poor, farmers and labours of India, that is why I am here today. I will stand with the voice of India which was being suppressed." Sushil Modi had filed a case before the court in April this year, taking exception to a sarcastic remark made by Gandhi at an election rally in Karnataka's Kolar district that all thieves had the surname Modi. Here, Gandhi was indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bank-fraud accused Nirav Modi and former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi. Meanwhile, the Gandhi scion publically announced his resignation from the post of Congress president in a four-page letter posted on Twitter on July 03.

Rahul Gandhi gets bail in defamation case filed by Sushil Modi

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-high-court-orders-freezing-of-accounts-of-nirav-modis-sister-brother-in-law-232328">freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister</a> and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported.

On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said.

The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks.

The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously.&nbsp;

Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case.

India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Pune on Saturday passed an order asking fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his aides to repay an amount to the tune of Rs 7,300 crore with interest to Punjab National Bank. This comes just days after the Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, news agency ANI reported. On the request of the Enforcement Directorate, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said. The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks. The Swiss authorities had frozen four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi previously. Nirav Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the PNB loan default case. India is seeking Modi's extradition on charges of fraud and money laundering. He is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London. (With inputs from ANI)

Nirav Modi, aides to pay Rs 7,300 crore with interest to PNB: Debt Recovery Tribunal

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiss-authorities-freeze-nirav-modis-bank-accounts-on-enforcement-directorates-request-230790">freezing of a bank account</a> belonging to fugitive diamantaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-extends-nirav-modis-remand-till-july-25-230888">Nirav Modi</a>'s sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

On the request of the ED, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said.

The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks.

This comes days after Swiss authorities froze four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi.

Watch: Noose tightens on Nirav Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-noose-tightens-on-nirav-modi-230987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The bank accounts of the duo having deposit balance of $3,74,11,596 (over Rs 258 crore) and British pound 27,38,136 (over Rs 283 crore) were seized on a plea of the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

The diamantaire was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the $two billion Punjab National Court (PNB) loan default case.

India is seeking Modi's extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing economic offences like fraud and money laundering.

Modi is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.&nbsp;

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. On the request of the ED, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said. The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks. This comes days after Swiss authorities froze four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi. Watch: Noose tightens on Nirav Modi The bank accounts of the duo having deposit balance of $3,74,11,596 (over Rs 258 crore) and British pound 27,38,136 (over Rs 283 crore) were seized on a plea of the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The diamantaire was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the $two billion Punjab National Court (PNB) loan default case. India is seeking Modi's extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing economic offences like fraud and money laundering. Modi is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.

Singapore High Court orders freezing of bank accounts of Nirav Modi's sister, brother-in-law

The Swiss authorities on Thursday have frozen four bank accounts of Nirav Modi and his sister Purvi Modi.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had appealed the government of Switzerland four months ago to freeze fugitive diamantaire's accounts.

The request was made under the ground that money was deposited in these bank accounts out of money siphoned out illegally from PNB and other banks and the same has represented proceeds of crime.

Earlier today, reports said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-to-appear-via-video-link-from-prison-for-uk-hearing-230719">Nirav Modi on Thursday will appear for a routine remand</a> hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London via video link from prison.

The 48-year-old, who has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, will be appearing for the first time since his bail appeal was rejected by the UK High Court earlier this month, his fourth attempt at bail.

Under UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar.&nbsp;

The Swiss authorities on Thursday have frozen four bank accounts of Nirav Modi and his sister Purvi Modi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had appealed the government of Switzerland four months ago to freeze fugitive diamantaire's accounts.

The Swiss authorities on Thursday have frozen four bank accounts of Nirav Modi and his sister Purvi Modi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had appealed the government of Switzerland four months ago to freeze fugitive diamantaire's accounts. The request was made under the ground that money was deposited in these bank accounts out of money siphoned out illegally from PNB and other banks and the same has represented proceeds of crime. Earlier today, reports said that Nirav Modi on Thursday will appear for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London via video link from prison. The 48-year-old, who has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, will be appearing for the first time since his bail appeal was rejected by the UK High Court earlier this month, his fourth attempt at bail. Under UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar.

Swiss authorities freeze Nirav Modi's bank accounts on Enforcement Directorate's request

In a major crackdown against Nirav Modi by authorities in Switzerland have frozen four Swiss bank accounts belonging to the fugitive diamantaire and his sister Purvi Modi.

India Watch: Noose tightens on Nirav Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-royal-courts-of-justice-in-london-denies-bail-to-nirav-modi-226485">Fugitve diamantaire Nirav Modi</a> is set to appear via video link from prison for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday.

The 48-year-old, who has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, will be appearing for the first time since his bail appeal was rejected by the UK High Court earlier this month, his fourth attempt at bail.

In her judgment handed down at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Justice Ingrid Simler concluded there were substantial grounds to believe that Modi would fail to surrender as he does possess the means to abscond.&nbsp;

Reiterating similar concerns as those previously raised by Westminster Magistrates' Court during earlier bail attempts, Judge Simler ruled that after considering all the material carefully, she had found strong evidence to suggest there had been interference with witnesses and destruction of evidence in the case and concluded it can still occur.

"The applicant has access to considerable financial resources, supported by an increased (bail bond security) offer of 2 million pounds, the judge noted.

The High Court judge stressed that while it was not for her to take a "definitive view" on the evidence, she had proceeded on the basis that the government of India has acted in good faith in what is undoubtedly a serious case and a sophisticated international conspiracy to defraud, together with money laundering.

Modi, who has remained in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the first case management hearing in his extradition case took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 30, when Judge Emma Arbuthnot directed the Indian government to confirm which prison Modi is to be held in if he were to be extradited to India, setting a 14-day deadline for a confirmation of the prison plans in India.

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has until July 11 to present an opening position statement laying out the prima facie case against Modi, with the next case management hearing set for July 29 when a timeline for extradition trial is expected to be laid out.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since. During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime.

Under UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar.&nbsp;

Fugitve diamantaire Nirav Modi is set to appear via video link from prison for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday.

Fugitve diamantaire Nirav Modi is set to appear via video link from prison for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday. The 48-year-old, who has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, will be appearing for the first time since his bail appeal was rejected by the UK High Court earlier this month, his fourth attempt at bail. In her judgment handed down at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Justice Ingrid Simler concluded there were substantial grounds to believe that Modi would fail to surrender as he does possess the means to abscond. Reiterating similar concerns as those previously raised by Westminster Magistrates' Court during earlier bail attempts, Judge Simler ruled that after considering all the material carefully, she had found strong evidence to suggest there had been interference with witnesses and destruction of evidence in the case and concluded it can still occur. "The applicant has access to considerable financial resources, supported by an increased (bail bond security) offer of 2 million pounds, the judge noted. The High Court judge stressed that while it was not for her to take a "definitive view" on the evidence, she had proceeded on the basis that the government of India has acted in good faith in what is undoubtedly a serious case and a sophisticated international conspiracy to defraud, together with money laundering. Modi, who has remained in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal. Meanwhile, the first case management hearing in his extradition case took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 30, when Judge Emma Arbuthnot directed the Indian government to confirm which prison Modi is to be held in if he were to be extradited to India, setting a 14-day deadline for a confirmation of the prison plans in India. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has until July 11 to present an opening position statement laying out the prima facie case against Modi, with the next case management hearing set for July 29 when a timeline for extradition trial is expected to be laid out. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since. During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime. Under UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar.

Nirav Modi to appear via video link from prison for UK hearing

A UK court on Thursday extended till July 25 the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

The 48-year-old, who fights his extradition from Britain to India has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March.

The UK High Court on June 12 rejected Modi's bail application, his fourth attempt to get bail.

An arrest warrant was issued against him in May and then the second one in July last year, with an extradition request made to the UK authorities in August 2018.

Modi appeared via video link from prison for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since.

Under the UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar.

The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has until July 11 to present an opening position statement laying out the prima facie case against Modi, with the next case management hearing set for July 29 - when a timeline for extradition trial is expected to be laid out.

A UK court on Thursday extended till July 25 the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A UK court on Thursday extended till July 25 the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old, who fights his extradition from Britain to India has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March. The UK High Court on June 12 rejected Modi's bail application, his fourth attempt to get bail. An arrest warrant was issued against him in May and then the second one in July last year, with an extradition request made to the UK authorities in August 2018. Modi appeared via video link from prison for a routine remand hearing before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since. Under the UK law, Modi is expected to be produced before the court every four weeks, with another remand hearing expected before the July 29 case management hearing currently fixed in the court's calendar. The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has until July 11 to present an opening position statement laying out the prima facie case against Modi, with the next case management hearing set for July 29 - when a timeline for extradition trial is expected to be laid out.

UK court extends Nirav Modi's remand till July 25

In a major blow to fugitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/willing-to-join-investigation-will-travel-to-india-as-soon-as-im-medically-fit-mehul-choksi-228031">diamantaire Mehul Choksi</a>, the Antiguan PM has announced that his&nbsp;citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston&nbsp;Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India.&nbsp;

A local Antiguan daily, Antigua Observer, reported that PM Gaston&nbsp;Browne is set to revoke Choksi's citizenship. Browne said that his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will be revoked in short order.

“His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” Browne said.

"I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited,” Browne added.&nbsp;

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I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited:Antigua PM Gastone Browne <a href="https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3">https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1143405336625176576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“We have to allow for due process. He has a matter before the court and as we said to the Indian Government, criminals have fundamental rights, too, and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position. But I can assure you after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited.”

In his statement, PM Browne seems to be sending out a message that his country is not a safe haven for economic offenders.

He said, "It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,”

The Antiguan government had told India that "criminals have fundamental rights too and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position".

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Govt sources on reports on Mehul Choksi: India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking citizenship.Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua.MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship <a href="https://t.co/WqZVNx5zRW">pic.twitter.com/WqZVNx5zRW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1143425387680227329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile,&nbsp;government sources on Tuesday stated that India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking Mehul Choksi's citizenship.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he has no information on the matter and that he would "not like to comment on it,"&nbsp;news agency ANI reported.

"Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua. MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship," ANI reported quoting government sources.&nbsp;

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(<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>) got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India: Antigua PM <a href="https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3">https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1143404950698881027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes soon after the&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home.

ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-provide-air-ambulance-to-mehul-choksi-to-bring-him-back-to-india-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-229405">Mehul Choksi</a> case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings."

ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee.&nbsp;

Choksi, last week,&nbsp;submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled. He said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi.&nbsp;

"I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated.

"I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added.&nbsp;

Choksi obtained an Antiguan citizenship in January this year. He is co-accused in the multi billion dollar PNB scam along with Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

India continues to pursue Choksi's return with the Government of Antigua through diplomatic and legal channels. &nbsp;New Delhi has already sent an extradition request to the country. Mehul Choksi had surrendered his Indian passport to the High Commission in Guyana in January of 2019.

The development comes days ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka during which PM Modi will strongly raise the issue of economic offenders being &nbsp;provided safe havens.

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antiguan PM has announced that his citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India.

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antiguan PM has announced that his citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India. A local Antiguan daily, Antigua Observer, reported that PM Gaston Browne is set to revoke Choksi's citizenship. Browne said that his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will be revoked in short order. “His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” Browne said. "I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited,” Browne added. I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited:Antigua PM Gastone Browne https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 25, 2019 × “We have to allow for due process. He has a matter before the court and as we said to the Indian Government, criminals have fundamental rights, too, and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position. But I can assure you after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited.” In his statement, PM Browne seems to be sending out a message that his country is not a safe haven for economic offenders. He said, "It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” The Antiguan government had told India that "criminals have fundamental rights too and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position". Govt sources on reports on Mehul Choksi: India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking citizenship.Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua.MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship pic.twitter.com/WqZVNx5zRW — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2019 × Meanwhile, government sources on Tuesday stated that India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking Mehul Choksi's citizenship. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he has no information on the matter and that he would "not like to comment on it," news agency ANI reported. "Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua. MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship," ANI reported quoting government sources. (#MehulChoksi) got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India: Antigua PM https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 25, 2019 × This comes soon after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home. ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with Mehul Choksi case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings." ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee. Choksi, last week, submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled. He said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi. "I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated. "I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added. Choksi obtained an Antiguan citizenship in January this year. He is co-accused in the multi billion dollar PNB scam along with Nirav Modi. India continues to pursue Choksi's return with the Government of Antigua through diplomatic and legal channels. New Delhi has already sent an extradition request to the country. Mehul Choksi had surrendered his Indian passport to the High Commission in Guyana in January of 2019. The development comes days ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka during which PM Modi will strongly raise the issue of economic offenders being provided safe havens.

Antigua to revoke Mehul Choksi's citizenship, PM Browne says he will be repatriated to India  

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/medical-reports-of-mehul-choksi-misleading-enforcement-directorate-tells-bombay-high-court-224145">Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi</a> on Monday submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled.&nbsp;

Choksi said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi.&nbsp;

"I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated.

"I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added.&nbsp;

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Mehul Choksi in his affidavit has also stated 'I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation. If court may deem it fit,it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua.' <a href="https://t.co/0idKu89dyC">https://t.co/0idKu89dyC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140598819047915520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes after the Enforcement Directorate, earlier this month, termed as "misleading" the medical reports submitted by Choksi as an excuse for not appearing before the Bombay High Court.

"The documentation submitted by the appellant are merely copies. In the absence of the original, both the genesis and veracity of the contents of the documents cannot rely upon by the court," read the ED affidavit.

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Mehul Choksi: I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel. <a href="https://t.co/rgYBkf7cmp">pic.twitter.com/rgYBkf7cmp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140599647058059264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Seeking dismissal of medical records submitted by Choksi, the ED stated that the intention of Choksi appeared to be suspicious as he "purposefully failed to submit the medical records February 17, 2018, onwards.

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Mehul Choksi submits affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, with details of his diseases and says he left country not to flee but for medical treatment. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/WaXFbWyOZS">pic.twitter.com/WaXFbWyOZS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140598080644890624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The agency further submitted that Choksi underwent coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty in February 2018 but was allowed to return to work within 3-5 days.

"It is not clear as to what prevents him from undertaking travel after about 8-9 months from the date of undergoing the procedure.&nbsp;

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In his affidavit Choksi has said that claims of Enforcement Directorate &amp; CBI, that he is not joining the probe are wrong. Citing his medical history, Choksi claims he cannot travel outside Antigua. However, he said ED and CBI can question him in Antigua. <a href="https://t.co/e4Wnw8Vrbe">https://t.co/e4Wnw8Vrbe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140600777888677888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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However,&nbsp;in the affidavit, Choksi has said that claims of Enforcement Directorate and CBI, that he is not joining the probe, are wrong.&nbsp;

Choksi an accused in 13,000 crore PNB scam case.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Monday submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Monday submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled. Choksi said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi. "I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated. "I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added. Mehul Choksi in his affidavit has also stated 'I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation. If court may deem it fit,it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua.' https://t.co/0idKu89dyC — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × This comes after the Enforcement Directorate, earlier this month, termed as "misleading" the medical reports submitted by Choksi as an excuse for not appearing before the Bombay High Court. "The documentation submitted by the appellant are merely copies. In the absence of the original, both the genesis and veracity of the contents of the documents cannot rely upon by the court," read the ED affidavit. Mehul Choksi: I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel. pic.twitter.com/rgYBkf7cmp — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × Seeking dismissal of medical records submitted by Choksi, the ED stated that the intention of Choksi appeared to be suspicious as he "purposefully failed to submit the medical records February 17, 2018, onwards. Mehul Choksi submits affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, with details of his diseases and says he left country not to flee but for medical treatment. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/WaXFbWyOZS — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × "The agency further submitted that Choksi underwent coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty in February 2018 but was allowed to return to work within 3-5 days. "It is not clear as to what prevents him from undertaking travel after about 8-9 months from the date of undergoing the procedure. In his affidavit Choksi has said that claims of Enforcement Directorate & CBI, that he is not joining the probe are wrong. Citing his medical history, Choksi claims he cannot travel outside Antigua. However, he said ED and CBI can question him in Antigua. https://t.co/e4Wnw8Vrbe — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019 × However, in the affidavit, Choksi has said that claims of Enforcement Directorate and CBI, that he is not joining the probe, are wrong. Choksi an accused in 13,000 crore PNB scam case. (With inputs from ANI)

Willing to join investigation, will travel to India as soon as I'm medically fit: Mehul Choksi  

The Royal Courts of Justice in London has denied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nirav-modi-moves-royal-court-of-justice-in-london-to-seek-bail-plea-226193">bail to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi</a>. This was his fourth bail application which has been quashed.

Nirav Modi's previous applications for bail were rejected thrice in the lower court after which he had moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court.

Nirav, 48, has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month.

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This was <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a>'s fourth bail application at the UK court which was refused. <a href="https://t.co/Jxv8rSK8Q0">https://t.co/Jxv8rSK8Q0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138740364179779591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Enforcement Directorate had moved an extradition request to the UK for the diamond merchant in March after he was spotted walking in a London street. Nirav Modi had defrauded Punjab and National Bank (PNB) in Mumbai's Brady House branch of Rs 11,400-crore.&nbsp;

The Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Nirav last year.

Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19.

Previously, he was denied bail at three previous attempts at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, as the judge ruled there was "substantial risk" that he would fail to surrender and deemed the bail security offered as insufficient, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Modi, who has remained behind bars in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal.

(With inputs from &nbsp;agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Royal Courts of Justice in London has denied bail to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi. This was his fourth bail application which has been quashed. Nirav Modi's previous applications for bail were rejected thrice in the lower court after which he had moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court.

The Royal Courts of Justice in London has denied bail to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi. This was his fourth bail application which has been quashed. Nirav Modi's previous applications for bail were rejected thrice in the lower court after which he had moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court. Nirav, 48, has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month. This was #NiravModi's fourth bail application at the UK court which was refused. https://t.co/Jxv8rSK8Q0 — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × Enforcement Directorate had moved an extradition request to the UK for the diamond merchant in March after he was spotted walking in a London street. Nirav Modi had defrauded Punjab and National Bank (PNB) in Mumbai's Brady House branch of Rs 11,400-crore. The Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Nirav last year. Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19. Previously, he was denied bail at three previous attempts at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, as the judge ruled there was "substantial risk" that he would fail to surrender and deemed the bail security offered as insufficient, news agency PTI reported. Modi, who has remained behind bars in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal. (With inputs from agencies)

The Royal Courts of Justice in London denies bail to Nirav Modi 

A judge in the UK court said on Tuesday that Nirav Modi does possess the "means" to flee the UK while hearing fugitive diamond merchant's appeal against a lower court's order to deny him bail. Modi is fighting his extradition from Britain to India in the nearly US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

"The reality is that he is not the cold-blooded hardened criminal as claimed by the government of India but a jewellery designer from a long line of diamond dealers, and regarded as being honest careful and reliable," said Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, as she opened the arguments in the hearing.

But Judge Ingrid Simler intervened to indicate that she has noted that Modi does possess the "means" to flee the UK and that factor must be a feature in a case involving "such sizeable funds".

She is expected to give her ruling in the matter later on Tuesday after hearing all the arguments presented by Modi's legal team and the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the Indian government.

Modi has already been denied bail at three previous attempts at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, as the judge ruled there was "substantial risk" that he would fail to surrender and deemed the bail security offered as insufficient.

Modi, who has remained behind bars in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal.

His legal team has described their client's experience at Wandsworth prison in south-west London as "damaging" and had offered stringent electronic tag and other conditions akin to house arrest at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail.

At the first case management hearing in the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month, the issue of bail was not raised and Modi was further remanded in judicial custody until June 27, when he is scheduled to appear via videolink.

At the hearing on May 30, Judge Arbuthnot directed the Indian government to confirm which prison Modi is to be held in if he were to be extradited to India, setting a 14-day deadline for a confirmation of the prison plans in India. Arbuthnot had ordered the extradition of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya in December 2018.

Meanwhile, authorities at the Arthur Road jail in India's financial capital Mumbai have kept 'Barrack No. 12' ready if Modi is extradited from the UK.

The prisons department last week shared information with the state Home department about the status of the Arthur Road prison and facilities that can be provided there, in case Modi is to be lodged in the barrack, a Home department official said.

A judge in the UK court said on Tuesday that Nirav Modi does possess the "means" to flee the UK while hearing fugitive diamond merchant's appeal against a lower court's order to deny him bail.

A judge in the UK court said on Tuesday that Nirav Modi does possess the "means" to flee the UK while hearing fugitive diamond merchant's appeal against a lower court's order to deny him bail. Modi is fighting his extradition from Britain to India in the nearly US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. "The reality is that he is not the cold-blooded hardened criminal as claimed by the government of India but a jewellery designer from a long line of diamond dealers, and regarded as being honest careful and reliable," said Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, as she opened the arguments in the hearing. But Judge Ingrid Simler intervened to indicate that she has noted that Modi does possess the "means" to flee the UK and that factor must be a feature in a case involving "such sizeable funds". She is expected to give her ruling in the matter later on Tuesday after hearing all the arguments presented by Modi's legal team and the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the Indian government. Modi has already been denied bail at three previous attempts at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, as the judge ruled there was "substantial risk" that he would fail to surrender and deemed the bail security offered as insufficient. Modi, who has remained behind bars in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal. His legal team has described their client's experience at Wandsworth prison in south-west London as "damaging" and had offered stringent electronic tag and other conditions akin to house arrest at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail. At the first case management hearing in the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month, the issue of bail was not raised and Modi was further remanded in judicial custody until June 27, when he is scheduled to appear via videolink. At the hearing on May 30, Judge Arbuthnot directed the Indian government to confirm which prison Modi is to be held in if he were to be extradited to India, setting a 14-day deadline for a confirmation of the prison plans in India. Arbuthnot had ordered the extradition of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya in December 2018. Meanwhile, authorities at the Arthur Road jail in India's financial capital Mumbai have kept 'Barrack No. 12' ready if Modi is extradited from the UK. The prisons department last week shared information with the state Home department about the status of the Arthur Road prison and facilities that can be provided there, in case Modi is to be lodged in the barrack, a Home department official said.

Nirav Modi does possess means to flee UK, says judge during diamond merchant's bail plea hearing

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has now moved the Royal Court of Justice for his bail plea. Watch this video to know more.

Nirav Modi moves Royal Court of Justice for bail

Fugitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modis-extradition-to-begin-after-may-30-207966">diamond merchant Nirav Modi </a>has moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court for his bail plea after it was rejected thrice in the lower court.

The Royal Court will hear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-extends-custody-of-nirav-modi-till-june-27-222764">Nirav's bail plea</a> at 10am(London Time) which will be his fourth&nbsp;appeal.

Nirav, 48, has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month.

India's Enforcement Directorate had moved an extradition request to the UK for the diamond merchant in March after he was spotted walking in a London street. Nirav Modi had defrauded Punjab and National Bank(PNB) in Mumbai's Brady House branch of Rs 11,400-crore.&nbsp;

The Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav last year.

Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19. 
&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court for his bail plea after it was rejected thrice in the lower court.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has moved the Royal Court of Justice in London which is the higher court for his bail plea after it was rejected thrice in the lower court. The Royal Court will hear Nirav's bail plea at 10am(London Time) which will be his fourth appeal. Nirav, 48, has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month. India's Enforcement Directorate had moved an extradition request to the UK for the diamond merchant in March after he was spotted walking in a London street. Nirav Modi had defrauded Punjab and National Bank(PNB) in Mumbai's Brady House branch of Rs 11,400-crore. The Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav last year. Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19.

Nirav Modi moves Royal Court of Justice in London to seek bail plea

UK court has extended the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi till June 27.

Breaking News: Nirav Modi to be in UK Jail till June 27th

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-denies-bail-to-nirav-modi-for-third-time-217108">fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi</a> till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

He was produced before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case. The judge remanded him till June 27.&nbsp;

The judge also asked the Indian government to provide within 14 days the information on which prison he will be held at.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since.

During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime.

Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.&nbsp;

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A UK court on Thursday extended the remand of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi till June 27, who is fighting his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month. He was produced before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case. The judge remanded him till June 27. The judge also asked the Indian government to provide within 14 days the information on which prison he will be held at. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since. During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime. Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

UK court extends custody of Nirav Modi till June 27

Fugitive diamond merchant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-denies-bail-to-nirav-modi-for-third-time-217108">Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court</a> in London on Thursday as he fights his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month.&nbsp;

He is set to be produced from custody before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case, during which a broad timeline is expected for his extradition trial.

"This is a large fraud and the doubling of security to 2 million pounds is not sufficient to cover a combination of concerns that he would fail to surrender," Arbuthnot had ruled at the last hearing on May 8.

"A combination of interference with witnesses, destruction of servers and mobile phones and the lack of community ties means I still have doubts that he would fail to surrender before the court," she concluded.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since.

During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime.

"His experience in custody has been vivid and damaging he is willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court because Wandsworth is unliveable and makes the effective preparation of his case virtually impossible," Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, had told the court at the last hearing, in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail on a strict 24-hour curfew at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London.

"Suffice to say efforts to present him (by the government of India) as a diabolical mechanic and cold-blooded, hardened criminal are completely false," she stressed.

However, the judge was particularly concerned about Modi's "lack of community ties" in the UK, having been based in London for only a "short period of time" since 2017 and also pointed to the "luring away" of witnesses from India to far away destinations like Egypt.

"There does seem to be a luring away of witnesses and some pressure that took witnesses away from India," Arbuthnot noted, making specific reference to a transcript of a conversation which indicated that Nirav Modi may have been using his US-based brother Nehal Modi to do his "dirty work as it were".

A team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were present in the court as Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) barrister Nick Hearn, arguing on behalf of the Indian government, presented a "plausible and coherent" account of witnesses being leaned on by associates of Modi.

Arbuthnot noted that he had "squirrelled away" funds that he may use for his escape from the UK if released on bail, which means he has remained at Wandsworth prison one of England's most over-crowded jails.

Modi's legal team, led by solicitor Anand Doobay, have repeatedly asserted that the Indian authorities must present a "perfectly paginated" set of documents in support of the case against their client. It is a direct reference to the disorganised state of the paperwork in previous Indian extradition cases, most recently that of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya.

Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court in London on Thursday as he fights his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is set to be produced before a court in London on Thursday as he fights his extradition to India in the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his third attempt at seeking bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at the last hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month. He is set to be produced from custody before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case, during which a broad timeline is expected for his extradition trial. "This is a large fraud and the doubling of security to 2 million pounds is not sufficient to cover a combination of concerns that he would fail to surrender," Arbuthnot had ruled at the last hearing on May 8. "A combination of interference with witnesses, destruction of servers and mobile phones and the lack of community ties means I still have doubts that he would fail to surrender before the court," she concluded. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19 and has been in prison since. During subsequent hearings, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Modi was the "principal beneficiary" of the fraudulent issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) as part of a conspiracy to defraud PNB and then laundering the proceeds of crime. "His experience in custody has been vivid and damaging he is willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court because Wandsworth is unliveable and makes the effective preparation of his case virtually impossible," Clare Montgomery, Modi's barrister, had told the court at the last hearing, in an attempt to persuade the judge to grant bail on a strict 24-hour curfew at his posh Centrepoint apartment in the West End of London. "Suffice to say efforts to present him (by the government of India) as a diabolical mechanic and cold-blooded, hardened criminal are completely false," she stressed. However, the judge was particularly concerned about Modi's "lack of community ties" in the UK, having been based in London for only a "short period of time" since 2017 and also pointed to the "luring away" of witnesses from India to far away destinations like Egypt. "There does seem to be a luring away of witnesses and some pressure that took witnesses away from India," Arbuthnot noted, making specific reference to a transcript of a conversation which indicated that Nirav Modi may have been using his US-based brother Nehal Modi to do his "dirty work as it were". A team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were present in the court as Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) barrister Nick Hearn, arguing on behalf of the Indian government, presented a "plausible and coherent" account of witnesses being leaned on by associates of Modi. Arbuthnot noted that he had "squirrelled away" funds that he may use for his escape from the UK if released on bail, which means he has remained at Wandsworth prison one of England's most over-crowded jails. Modi's legal team, led by solicitor Anand Doobay, have repeatedly asserted that the Indian authorities must present a "perfectly paginated" set of documents in support of the case against their client. It is a direct reference to the disorganised state of the paperwork in previous Indian extradition cases, most recently that of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya. Arbuthnot, the judge who had ordered the Mallya extradition in December 2018, has been very firm with the CPS, representing the Indian government, about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

Nirav Modi to be produced before UK court in extradition case

Nirav Modi denied bail for the third time by UK Court, Next hearing of Nirav Modi case would be on May 28.

UK Court denies bail to Nirav Modi

UK's Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

He was arrested by Scotland Yard on March 19 in connection with the Rs 13,000 Crore PNB loan default case.

Modi’s lawyer, Clare Montgomery doubled the bail security to 2 million pounds and offered he would stay on 24-hour curfew at his London flat. He told the judge that her client’s funds in India were frozen or liquidated.&nbsp;

The Westminster Court rejected bail for Modi twice before since his March 19 arrest by UK police at the request of Indian authorities.&nbsp;

The tycoon, who dressed stars including Kate Winslet, Dakota Johnson and Priyanka Chopra, faces charges of fraudulently acquiring guarantees from Punjab National Bank that were later used to obtain loans from abroad, according to complaints filed by the lender.

Nirav Modi will appear before UK's Westminster Court for next hearing on May 30.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK's Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. He was arrested by Scotland Yard on March 19 in connection with the Rs 13,000 Crore PNB loan default case.

UK's Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. He was arrested by Scotland Yard on March 19 in connection with the Rs 13,000 Crore PNB loan default case. Modi’s lawyer, Clare Montgomery doubled the bail security to 2 million pounds and offered he would stay on 24-hour curfew at his London flat. He told the judge that her client’s funds in India were frozen or liquidated. The Westminster Court rejected bail for Modi twice before since his March 19 arrest by UK police at the request of Indian authorities. The tycoon, who dressed stars including Kate Winslet, Dakota Johnson and Priyanka Chopra, faces charges of fraudulently acquiring guarantees from Punjab National Bank that were later used to obtain loans from abroad, according to complaints filed by the lender. Nirav Modi will appear before UK's Westminster Court for next hearing on May 30. (With inputs from agencies)

UK court denies bail to Nirav Modi for third time 

Next Hearing Of Nirav Modi Case Would Be On May 28. Nirav Modi Denied Bail For The Third Time By UK Court.

Gravitas: Noose Tightens, No Bail For Nirav Modi

Fugitive diamantaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modis-extradition-to-begin-after-may-30-207966">Nirav Modi, undergoing extradition proceedings</a> in the UK in the $1-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, is set to appear before a London court for a remand hearing on Friday.

The 48-year-old, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest last month, is set to be produced before a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from the jail.

The hearing follows his bail being rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot on March 29 on the grounds that there was a "substantial risk he would fail to surrender".

"This is a case of substantial fraud, with loss to a bank in India of between $ 1-2 billion. I am not persuaded that the conditional bail sought will meet the concerns of the government of India in this case," Judge Arbuthnot had noted in her ruling.

The hearing this week takes place as per the 28-day time frame for judicial remand in such cases.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, had confirmed earlier this month that Nirav Modi intends to appeal against the rejection of bail in the UK High Court. However, such an application has not been logged so far.

The hearing on Friday is expected to be procedural unless some new factors are placed before the court to consider. Nirav Modi can make a third bail application at Westminster Magistrates' Court but only if the grounds for the bail plea are substantially different.

Previously, his legal team, including solicitor Anand Doobay and barrister Clare Montgomery, had offered 1 million pounds as security alongside an offer to meet stringent electronic tag restrictions on their client's movements, "akin to house arrest".

The diamantaire "lack of community ties" in the UK and an attempt to acquire the citizenship of Vanuatu - a remote island country located in the South Pacific Ocean - in late 2017 went against him as the judge said it seemed like he was trying to "move away from India at an important time".

CPS barrister Toby Cadman had argued that there was a "substantial risk" that the prime accused in the PNB fraud case would flee and attempt to interfere with witnesses and evidence.

"Due to the nature of his business he has at his disposal diamonds gold and pearls," Toby Cadman told the court.

During the course of the hearing last month, it emerged that Nirav Modi had made death threats to witnesses and also attempted to destroy evidence such as mobile phones and a server holding "material critical to the fraud".

His defence team, the same as that deployed by former Kingfisher Airlines boss Vijay Mallya in his extradition case, denied the allegations and said their client saw the UK as a "haven where his case will be fairly considered".

Judge Arbuthnot noted a sense of "deja vu" with the case, in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya in December last year, which is currently going through a High Court appeals process.

Nirav Modi is believed to have been living in the UK on an Investor Visa, applied for in 2015 - at a time when the so-called "golden visa" route was relatively easier for super-rich individuals to acquire residency rights in the UK based on a minimum of 2-million pound investment.

He was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19. During his first court appearance a day later, it emerged that the diamantaire accused of defrauding PNB via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) had been in possession of multiple passports, since revoked by the Indian authorities.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, undergoing extradition proceedings in the UK in the $1-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, is set to appear before a London court for a remand hearing on Friday.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, undergoing extradition proceedings in the UK in the $1-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, is set to appear before a London court for a remand hearing on Friday. The 48-year-old, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest last month, is set to be produced before a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from the jail. The hearing follows his bail being rejected by Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot on March 29 on the grounds that there was a "substantial risk he would fail to surrender". "This is a case of substantial fraud, with loss to a bank in India of between $ 1-2 billion. I am not persuaded that the conditional bail sought will meet the concerns of the government of India in this case," Judge Arbuthnot had noted in her ruling. The hearing this week takes place as per the 28-day time frame for judicial remand in such cases. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, had confirmed earlier this month that Nirav Modi intends to appeal against the rejection of bail in the UK High Court. However, such an application has not been logged so far. The hearing on Friday is expected to be procedural unless some new factors are placed before the court to consider. Nirav Modi can make a third bail application at Westminster Magistrates' Court but only if the grounds for the bail plea are substantially different. Previously, his legal team, including solicitor Anand Doobay and barrister Clare Montgomery, had offered 1 million pounds as security alongside an offer to meet stringent electronic tag restrictions on their client's movements, "akin to house arrest". The diamantaire "lack of community ties" in the UK and an attempt to acquire the citizenship of Vanuatu - a remote island country located in the South Pacific Ocean - in late 2017 went against him as the judge said it seemed like he was trying to "move away from India at an important time". CPS barrister Toby Cadman had argued that there was a "substantial risk" that the prime accused in the PNB fraud case would flee and attempt to interfere with witnesses and evidence. "Due to the nature of his business he has at his disposal diamonds gold and pearls," Toby Cadman told the court. During the course of the hearing last month, it emerged that Nirav Modi had made death threats to witnesses and also attempted to destroy evidence such as mobile phones and a server holding "material critical to the fraud". His defence team, the same as that deployed by former Kingfisher Airlines boss Vijay Mallya in his extradition case, denied the allegations and said their client saw the UK as a "haven where his case will be fairly considered". Judge Arbuthnot noted a sense of "deja vu" with the case, in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya in December last year, which is currently going through a High Court appeals process. Nirav Modi is believed to have been living in the UK on an Investor Visa, applied for in 2015 - at a time when the so-called "golden visa" route was relatively easier for super-rich individuals to acquire residency rights in the UK based on a minimum of 2-million pound investment. He was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers from a Metro Bank branch in central London as he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19. During his first court appearance a day later, it emerged that the diamantaire accused of defrauding PNB via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) had been in possession of multiple passports, since revoked by the Indian authorities.

Nirav Modi to appear for court hearing via video link from jail

A UK court on Friday extended the&nbsp;remand&nbsp;till May 24 of fugitive diamond merchant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modis-extradition-to-begin-after-may-30-207966">Nirav Modi</a>&nbsp;who is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion.

The 48-year-old, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest last month, was&nbsp;produced before the judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from&nbsp;jail.

The brief hearing ended with the judge extending his jail term.&nbsp;

On March 29, Modi's bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot&nbsp;on the grounds that there was a "substantial risk he would fail to surrender".

Nirav's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the US has charged him with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court.

He is believed to have been living in the UK on an Investor Visa, applied for in 2015 at a time when the so-called '"golden visa"&nbsp;route was relatively easier for super-rich individuals to acquire residency rights in the UK based on a minimum of 2-million pound investment.

He was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on March 19. Indian authorities have been&nbsp;trying to extradite him since then.

During his first court appearance a day later, it emerged that the diamantaire accused of defrauding PNB via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) had been in possession of multiple passports which have since been revoked by the Indian authorities.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A UK court on Friday extended the remand till May 24 of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi who is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion. The 48-year-old, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest last month, was produced before the judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from jail.

A UK court on Friday extended the remand till May 24 of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi who is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion. The 48-year-old, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest last month, was produced before the judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from jail. The brief hearing ended with the judge extending his jail term. On March 29, Modi's bail was rejected by Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot on the grounds that there was a "substantial risk he would fail to surrender". Nirav's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the US has charged him with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court. He is believed to have been living in the UK on an Investor Visa, applied for in 2015 at a time when the so-called '"golden visa" route was relatively easier for super-rich individuals to acquire residency rights in the UK based on a minimum of 2-million pound investment. He was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on March 19. Indian authorities have been trying to extradite him since then. During his first court appearance a day later, it emerged that the diamantaire accused of defrauding PNB via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) had been in possession of multiple passports which have since been revoked by the Indian authorities. (With inputs from news agencies)

UK court extends Nirav Modi's remand till May 24

Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi's cars auctioned for Rs 3.29 crore

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination.

Last month, Mehul Choksi moved a new application under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here, stating his long history of heart ailments and a blood clot in the brain.

This comes after it was reported that the extradition process against embattled diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi has begun in Antigua.

Choksi's counsel Vijay and Ashul Agarwal submitted his detailed medical history citing his ailments constraining him from travelling and hence leading to his inability to return to India.

His counsel also placed 38 documents on record including the latest prescriptions in which doctors have highly recommend that Choksi should remain under continuous medical supervision in Antigua and should avoid travelling as his medical condition may deteriorate.

Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are kingpins of the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

They both fled from the country a year ago. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination.

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination. Last month, Mehul Choksi moved a new application under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here, stating his long history of heart ailments and a blood clot in the brain. This comes after it was reported that the extradition process against embattled diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi has begun in Antigua. Choksi's counsel Vijay and Ashul Agarwal submitted his detailed medical history citing his ailments constraining him from travelling and hence leading to his inability to return to India. His counsel also placed 38 documents on record including the latest prescriptions in which doctors have highly recommend that Choksi should remain under continuous medical supervision in Antigua and should avoid travelling as his medical condition may deteriorate. Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are kingpins of the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud. They both fled from the country a year ago. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

Mehul Choksi moves Bombay High Court over non-consideration of plea on inability to return

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-intends-to-appeal-for-bail-in-uk-high-court-207548">extradition proceedings </a>in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court&nbsp;which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India.&nbsp;

Modi is currently in Wandsworth Jail in the UK.

In February 2018, three companies linked to Nirav – Firestar Diamond International, A Jaffe and Fantasy Inc – filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States of America (USA).

A court-appointed trustee probed the companies and filed a complaint against Mihir Bhansali, CEO of Firestar Diamond and Fantasy; Ajay Gandhi, a senior executive in all three companies; and Nirav.

The trio was accused of breaching fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and violations of the RICO Act. “The case in the US is also linked with his [Nirav’s] scam in the country,” a media report said quoting ED source.

Nirav is the prime accused in $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the maximum punishment Modi would face in India is seven years’ imprisonment while a conviction under the RICO Act could see Nirav, Bhansali and Gandhi facing up to 20 years in prison. Reports said&nbsp;the ED believes that if Nirav is faced with this possibility, he may not contest India’s extradition request as aggressively as he is now.

London's Westminster Magistrate court on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-court-rejects-nirav-modis-bail-plea-remands-him-to-custody-206560">March 29&nbsp;rejected </a>Modi's bail plea for the second time.

The judge had fixed April 26th as the next date of hearing. Modi will appear via video link from jail at the next hearing.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is undergoing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdon (UK), has been charged with violating Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an American bankruptcy court which, according to reports, could pave the way for his speedier extradition to India. Modi is currently in Wandsworth Jail in the UK. In February 2018, three companies linked to Nirav – Firestar Diamond International, A Jaffe and Fantasy Inc – filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States of America (USA). A court-appointed trustee probed the companies and filed a complaint against Mihir Bhansali, CEO of Firestar Diamond and Fantasy; Ajay Gandhi, a senior executive in all three companies; and Nirav. The trio was accused of breaching fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and violations of the RICO Act. “The case in the US is also linked with his [Nirav’s] scam in the country,” a media report said quoting ED source. Nirav is the prime accused in $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the maximum punishment Modi would face in India is seven years’ imprisonment while a conviction under the RICO Act could see Nirav, Bhansali and Gandhi facing up to 20 years in prison. Reports said the ED believes that if Nirav is faced with this possibility, he may not contest India’s extradition request as aggressively as he is now. London's Westminster Magistrate court on March 29 rejected Modi's bail plea for the second time. The judge had fixed April 26th as the next date of hearing. Modi will appear via video link from jail at the next hearing.

US invokes RICO Act against Nirav Modi, may expedite extradition to India: Report

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