PNB Scam: Nirav Modi's Bail Plea Rejected for Fourth Time, UK Court Says He May Influence Investigation

London, June 12: The Royal Court of Justice on Wednesday rejected fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi's bail plea in connection with the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank scam. This was Modi's fourth attempt to seek bail. Rejecting his bail plea for the fourth time, London court said it has evidence that Modi might obstruct the probe. Nirav Modi's Bail Plea Rejected.

"Compelling evidence that applicant and those acting on his behalf have acted to influence witnesses. There is evidence of destruction of evidence. Interference and obstruction may occur," the judge said on Wednesday. Nirav Modi on May 31 applied for bail in the United Kingdom high court, after a British court extended his remand till June 27.

On Tuesday, the UK High Court had heard Modi's appeal against lower court's order to deny him bail as he is absconding in India in the nearly 2 billion dollar bank fraud and money laundering case.

Responding to this, Modi's barrister said, "Modi is not (Wikileaks c-founder) Julian Assange who sought refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy, but just an ordinary Indian jeweller. There is no evidence to show that he would do the prohibitive things listed [such as interfere with witnesses]."

Earlier, Nirav allegedly interfered with witnesses in Cairo and then allegedly destructed server in Dubai and even destructed cell phones belonging to dummy directors.

Nirav was arrested in London on March 19, since then he is in judicial custody. He faces extradition to India for fraudulent issuance of letters of undertakings (LoUs) as a part of a conspiracy to dupe Punjab National Bank and then laundering money.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2019 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).