THE INDIAN government is moving ahead with its efforts to get extradited billionaire Nirav Modi from the UK.
The business tycoon was tracked down last week at a £8 million flat he is renting in central London.
Celebrity jeweller, Modi, 48, is wanted in India for legal proceedings in connection with a £1.5 billion fraud case at the state- run Punjab National Bank (PNB).
According to the media reports in India, country’s federal probe agency-Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would now approach Interpol in the UK to ensure Modi doesn’t flee.
“Since his location is known now, the first step should be to arrest him as there is enough evidence which has been provided to the UK in the extradition request,” a CBI officer told The Times of India newspaper.
Modi’s Indian passport has been revoked, which means the UK authorities need to confiscate the travel documents he currently uses, the officer added.
According to the British police, it could still take some time to issue an arrest warrant against Modi in the UK as there should be enough evidence to arrest the diamond merchant.
Even if there are grounds to detain him, Modi could fight extradition through the courts.
Meanwhile, British home secretary Sajid Javid has now agreed to India’s plea for his extradition and the case will now be passed to a judge at Westminster magistrates court to consider the application.
British daily The Telegraph tracked Modi down last week in London.
The incident occurred on the same day Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer addressed the audience at London Tech WeekGetty Images