PNB fraud: Nirav Modi gets one month to file reply to ED plea

A special court in Mumbai has directed diamantaire Nirav Modi, a key accused in the multi-billion PNB fraud case, to file his reply on October 29 to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) plea seeking to declare him a "fugitive" under a new law.

Special judge M S Azmi, presiding over the court set up under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), had on July 25 issued summons to Nirav Modi, seeking his reply to the application filed by the ED.  The financial crime probe agency, in the plea, had sought direction to declare the diamond jeweller a "fugitive" under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. 

The court had also issued a notice



of appearance under the fugitive law against Nirav Modi's uncle and co-accused in the case, Mehul Choksi, and had asked him to appear before it on 26th of September. 

 

The agency had moved the court seeking to declare the diamond traders as "fugitive economic offenders" and nod to confiscate their assets worth 3,500 crore rupees. 

Two criminal complaints were filed by the ED in these instances after taking cognisance of CBI FIRs.  Non-bailable warrants were issued against Nirav Modi and Choksi.  Also, an Interpol 'red corner' arrest warrant has been issued against Nirav Modi on the ED's request.