Vijay Mallya case could be template for Nirav Modi’s extradition: Sources

Indian authorities believe the case of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya could serve as a template for ongoing efforts to extradite diamantaire Nirav Modi, who was arrested in London on Tuesday.

Indian authorities believe the case of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya could serve as a template for ongoing efforts to extradite diamantaire Nirav Modi, who was arrested in London on Tuesday.

Nirav Modi (Aniruddha Chowdhury/Mint file photo)

The Indian government has welcomed Nirav Modi’s arrest by the Metropolitan Police. He is the subject of an extradition request made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“There is now a template that exists from India’s case for the extradition of Mallya. The Indian side has also been able to address the concerns of the UK judiciary about prison conditions in India. All of this should help in the efforts to extradite Nirav Modi,” a person familiar with developments said on Friday.

Last month, UK home secretary Sajid Javid signed an order to extradite Mallya, wanted in India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores of rupees. The beleaguered liquor tycoon has filed an appeal against the decision.

“The extradition request process has to be completed...there was no delay attributed to anything on the Indian side,” he said. “The government of India is committed to the expeditious extradition of Nirav Modi to India.”

Kumar said UK’s Crown Prosecution Service had informed India that a senior judge of the Westminster Magistrate’s Court had issued an arrest warrant for Modi on March 18. The Metropolitan Police arrested him in London on the evening of March 19, and the next day, he was remanded to judicial custody after a brief court hearing.