India's request seeking extradition of Nirav Modi pending before UK authorities: Govt

Indian agencies sent two requests to the UK authorities seeking the extradition of PNB scam accused Nirav Modi to India, the government has said.

While one request was sent by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the other was sent by the Enforcement Directorate.

Nirav Modi is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving fraud of Rs 13,000 crore by his companies. He has been chargesheeted by the CBI in the case. 

"In August 2018, the government sent two requests, one from the CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate, to the authorities of the UK seeking the extradition of Nirav Modi to India," Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh told Rajya Sabha while replying to a question.

He said the requests are presently under the consideration of the authorities concerned of the UK.

He said India was informed by British authorities that Nirav Modi was living in the UK. National Central Bureau of Manchester conveyed to Indian agencies that their investigations have led to the location of Nirav Modi in the UK, he said. 

In June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had written to several European countries seeking help in tracing Nirav Modi.

Last week, the MEA had said India's request on Nirav Modi's extradition is under the consideration of the UK Home Secretary before it can be sent to the court for a decision.

Earlier this month, a UK court had ordered fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's extradition. He is wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

The MEA has said the Indian mission there is in "active touch" with British authorities regarding the case.

(With PTI inputs)