LONDON: The Indian high commission here has not sought absconding jeweller
Nirav Modi’s extradition yet as it is still waiting for “formal confirmation” he is in the UK from the home office.
When contacted by TOI, Indian deputy high commissioner to the UK
Dinesh Patnaik said: “We have approached the UK side for information but have not received any formal confirmation of the presence of
Nirav Modi in the UK.” He added, “We cannot send an extradition request without confirmation of his presence.”
It is understood the high commission has made several written requests to the home office, via the foreign office, seeking formal confirmation Modi is in the UK but has had no formal response. This is needed for extradition proceedings to be initiated.
An Indian diplomat said:“The UK government has told us informally that he is in London but we can’t work on informal sources. We need formal confirmation. He may have indefinite leave to remain. We don’t know that he has applied for political asylum.”
The home office refused to confirm or deny whether the diamond merchant, who, together with his uncle, Mehul Choksi, is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam, has applied for asylum or is in the UK. But the home office said Modi could legally apply for political asylum in Britain.
“It’s perfectly possible for an Indian businessman like Nirav Modi to apply for political asylum in Britain,” said Paul Turner, an immigration and asylum barrister, who heads Imperium Chambers in London. “Even if there is a criminal case against him, he can still apply for asylum.”