
Enforcement Directorate raids Nirav Modi's jewellery showroom in Mumbai
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate today raided celebrity jeweler Nirav Modi's home, showrooms and offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Surat after Punjab National Bank complained of a massive fraud that benefited Mr Modi. The agency today conducted searches at nine locations in the country.
The 48-year-old jeweler is already being investigated by the CBI in connection with a Rs 280 crore fraud. According to PNB, the alleged wrongdoing was unearthed when Nirav Modi's companies sought a fresh loan last month. When the bank asked for guarantees before issuing the Letters of Understanding, the jewellery company allegedly said they had earlier used the facility, ticking off an investigation by the bank.
Here are LIVE updates on the allegations of financial fraud against Nirav Modi: Central Bureau of Investigation has questioned PNB bank officials in connection with the case. Noone has been arrested so far, reported news agency ANI
"Use of the word chhota Modi shameful, condemnable and utterly irresponsible" The use of the word chhota Modi is shameful, condemnable and utterly irresponsible.
My answer is very clear, even if he is abroad we will investigate. India's standing globally is different now, people listen to our voice today..... The investigation is proceeding with great speed.
"Noone will be spared in Nirav Modi case"
We want to make it clear again that noone will be spared in this case (Nirav Modi). A lot of people were involved and we will take strict action against them. I want to ask..is it not true that the income of jeweler Mehul choksy had doubled in 2011? What do we make of this?
2G, Commonwealth, Adarsh scam took place during Congress rule: Ravi Shankar PrasadCongress leader Poonawaala had once tweeted an image of a show by Nirav Modi which Rahul Gandhi had attended. What would they want to say about that
Congress is constantly taking Vijay Mallya's name. I want to read out something that people should know...: In a series of email letters, Mallya thanked the former PM for making the time to talk to him. "Thank you for sparing the time to meet me on September 8 to talk about the difficulties Kingfisher is facing at this time." Mallya's letter to Dr Singh said.
2G scam, commonwealth, adarsh scam, all of them took place during the Congress.
Nirav Modi's assets worth 13,000 crore frozen: Ravi Shankar PrasadAssets worth Rs 13,000 crore has been seized. His passport is being revoked. I wish to make it very clear that noone shall be spared in the banking system who has helped Nirav Modi. No matter what designation the person hold, we will take strict measures
Congress is making bizzare allegations. What do they mean by Chhota Modi. We understand their pain for constantly losing in the polls..but this kind of a statement is demeaning and not tolerable. Congress should stop playing politics with pictures..we have very good and cozy photographs of the Congress leaders but we dont want to stoop to that level.
Nirav Modi is believed to be in Switzerland according to the Press Trust of India.
Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1, long before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs. 280-crore fraud, officials said.
His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while his wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, flew out on January 6, the officials said.
"This happened in UPA's time and has been kept suppressed. It is their gift. In fact, we have brought it out. There will be action definitely," said Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman, reported news agency IANS.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked in a tweet, "Is it possible to believe that he or Vijay Mallya left the country without active connivance of BJP govt?"
Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted about Nirav Modi's meeting with the prime minister at Davos this year.
PNB chief said, "If the investigation says it's our liability, we will accept it."
Sunil Mehta said, "We will honour our bona fide commitments. We will comply with regulators and matter is being investigated. We will not spare anyone."
Punjab National Bank boss Sunil Mehta addressed a press conference on this issue. He said, "We have investigated this and gone to the law enforcement officials. We have informed all the lenders and SEBI for clean banking. We have the capabilities to come out of the situation. Raids and documents are being seized by law enforcement agencies to protect the bank's interest."
At least nine properties were searched, including Nirav Modi's home in Mumbai's Kurla, his jewellery boutique in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda, and showrooms in Chanakyapuri and Defence Colony in Delhi.