Woman suspect’s arrest in PNB fraud case illegal: Bombay HC

In a setback to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with its probe into the fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB), the Bombay high court has declared the arrest of a key accused Kavita Mankikar, executive assistant to fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi, as illegal and imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on the agency for taking her into custody after sunset.

The high court has also declared all actions following Mankikar’s arrest, including her remand for custodial interrogation as of “no legal consequences, null and void”.

“It means the any statement or disclosure of Mankikar recorded during custody is also null and void. It is a huge dent on the chargesheet of CBI,” said Vijay Aggarwal, her lawyer (he is also Modi’s lawyer).

A spokesperson for the investigating agency said they have got the copy of the order and will seek legal advice to see what steps can be taken about it.

“But she has already been charged, so it is not going to affect our investigation and also the court the has held that if required, CBI can take her into custody again,” added the spokesperson.