New Delhi (Sputnik): Indian jeweller and absconder accused of massive bank fraud Nirav Modi was denied bail by a London court yet again today. He is the main accused in the Rs 13,500 crore ($1.875 billion) fraud case from the Indian state-owned Punjab National Bank. He was arrested at London's Holborn metro station on 19 March after India officially requested the UK for the extradition of the fugitive.
BREAKING: UK court refuses conditional bail to Nirav Modi. He stays in jail for now.
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 29, 2019
The multi-billionaire, whose gems adorn celebrities across the world, will now have to continue residing in the jail until 26 April, the date set for the next hearing. News agency PTI says that the next hearing for the Indian fugitive has been fixed through video conferencing.
#NewsAlert | Next bail hearing of Nirav Modi’s case on April 26. | #BringBackNiravModi pic.twitter.com/kZiN8fb0JQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 29, 2019
The court, while giving the verdict, observed that Nirav was denied bail on grounds of the high value of funds embezzled and high access to escape.
READ MORE: Indian Fugitive Diamond Tycoon Arrested in London
He was denied bail by the Westminster Magistrate's Court for the second time.
Today during the procedure of bail hearing prosecution vehemently opposed any move for bail to Nirav Modi.
Toby Cadman, representing crown prosecution on behalf of Indian authorities, in final submission at London's Westminster Magistrate court: #NiravModi isn't cooperating with Indian agencies&there's risk he'll fly out. There's risk that he'll influence witnesses & destroy evidence pic.twitter.com/gB26NIm2eh
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) March 29, 2019
India had made special arrangements to ensure that Nirav Modi does not get out of the clutches of the law, as three of the Indian officials, two from its prime investigative agency CBI and one from the economic watchdog Enforcement Directorate — had reached London for the extradition hearing of Nirav Modi a few days ago.
Joint CBI, ED team reach London, to aid Crown Prosecution Service against Nirav Modi's bail plea
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 28, 2019
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/MPstbM1vC2 pic.twitter.com/cfz9a9r3ca
The Indian authorities are pushing for the extradition of Modi from the UK to India to pursue the case in domestic courts.
READ MORE: Fugitive Indian Diamond Tycoon Spotted in London, Faces Extradition – Report
In his first appearance after the arrest, Nirav Modi was produced before a judge at the Westminster Magistrate's Court on 20 March, where he and his lawyers rejected the extradition procedure and also offered 500,000 pounds as security for his bail from the UK court. Nirav Modi was sent to Prison Wandsworth after his bail plea was rejected.
