PNB scam kingpin Nirav Modi in UK, seeking 'political asylum': Report

The report further quoted the Ministry of External Affairs saying that ‘they have been waiting for country’s law enforcement agencies to approach them before pushing for an extradition’.

Jewellery designer Nirav Modi. Photo: Facebook

• New Delhi: Diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who fled the country after committing Rs 13,700 crore Punjab National Bank scam has gone to UK and is reportedly seeking a ‘political asylum’ there.

The facts have been claimed in UK daily Financial Times’ report; which quoted Indian and British officials. The report claims that “Modi was trying to claim asylum for what he called ‘political persecution’. The report further quoted the Ministry of External Affairs saying that ‘they have been waiting for country’s law enforcement agencies to approach them before pushing for an extradition’. Speaking on the same, a Senior Solicitor at London based law firm, Zaiwalla & Co. said “With yet another Indian fleeing to the UK to claim political asylum, it adds to the already long-list of Indians on British soil who feel protected under the country’s tough extradition laws. As Nirav Modi is now purported to be in London, this will certainly be a difficult situation for both the UK and India as they are already locked in several legal cases for extradition." He further added saying, " As for Mr Modi’s choice of the UK, it seems that this is because he is confident that Britain would continue to accept the Jurisdiction of European Court of Human Right (despite the sentiment in favour of Brexit), and he seems keen to emulate the paths of his other high-profile compatriots including Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya and benefit from their experience. Whatever is the case, it is surely a massive diplomatic headache for both India and the UK, who are now pitted against yet another high-profile extradition battle.” India is already seeking the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who moved to UK last year after being a defaulter in Kingfisher Airline loan case. Both Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are at large ever since the PNB scam came to light.