Setback for fugitive Nirav Modi, as sister and her husband turn against him

A special court has allowed Nirav Modi’s younger sister Purvi Mehta and her husband Maiank Mehta, who have turned approvers against the fugitive millionaire, to apply for pardon.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has given its no-objection to the couple turning prosecution witnesses, but has objected to allowing any companies or entities named as accused being granted a similar pardon.

Also read: PNB fraud case: Nirav Modi declared fugitive economic offender

The husband-wife had filed applications before the court last month, distancing themselves from Nirav Modi. The two are now expected to testify against Modi in two money laundering cases filed by the ED.

Purvi is a Belgian national and Maiank is British. The couple told the court that Nirav Modi’s “alleged criminal activities” have affected their personal and professional lives. They agreed to be examined as witnesses in the two ED cases, stating they have information which may prove critical in establishing the ED case against Nirav and other accused.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED have filed cases against Nirav Modi and others accusing them of committing a fraud of over ₹6,498.20 crore on the Punjab National Bank. The CBI has not named Purvi and Maiank as accused, but the ED has named them as co-accused in two other cases.

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Purvi and Maiank told the court they won’t be able to travel to India due to COVID-19 restrictions on international travel, but were willing to provide their statements over video-conference.

Modi was declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019 and is currently facing extradition proceedings in the UK.