New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) team reached London to meet crown prosecution service before the hearing began in the Nirav Modi case. Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which represented India's case was led by Toby Cadman and here London's Westminster Magistrate court rejects bail application of Nirav Modi. Next date of hearing is April 26, 2019. He will remain in jail for another 6 weeks in the U.K and in the next hearing, Nirav Modi will be produced through video conferencing The bail hearing of Nirav Modi was scheduled for today in the Westminster Magistrates' Court.
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Here it is to be noted that prior to the hearing, ED sources said that India will immediately move a higher court if Nirav Modi is granted bail, India is also prepared if Nirav Modi moves a higher court in case of him being denied bail. The Crown Prosecution Service argued in court that there is a great risk of Nirav Modi fleeing if he is granted bail. The prosecution said in court, "There is a real risk that he could flee, interfere with witnesses, interfere with evidence." Toby Cadman, representing crown prosecution on behalf of Indian authorities, said in final submission at London's Westminster Magistrate court that Nirav Modi is not cooperating with Indian agencies and there is a risk he'll fly out. There is a risk that he will influence witnesses & destroy evidence, reported ANI. Cadman further said in court that Nirav Modi called up a witness 'Ashish Lad' and threatened to killed him.
To be noted that Nirav Modi's attorney Claire Montgomery said in court, "Nirav Modi has been in the UK since January 2018. He has known since August 2018 that he is going to be extradited. He has no place as a safe haven. He has lived openly in the UK and has made no effort to hide." Modi was arrested by the Scotland Yard officers from a bank in central London when he attempted to open a new bank account on March 19. The 48-year-old fugitive diamantaire has been lodged in HMP Wandsworth prison in south-west London after a judge had declined his request for bail on the grounds that he posed a flight risk.
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However, to recall, Nirav Modi along and his uncle Mehul Chokri are accused of defrauding state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) via fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). Both the accused fled the country when the incident came to light. Mopossessed multiple passports. While one of his passports is with the Metropolitan Police, a second expired passport is lying with the UK Home Office and a third with the UK's Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority.