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Nirav Modi claims 'real risk of torture' if extradited to India: reports
Webdunia | March 18, 2026 7:42 PM CST

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is reportedly seeking to reopen his extradition case at the London High Court.

 

According to Indian media outlets, including The Times of India (TOI) and the Press Trust of India (PTI), which reported on the hearing on Wednesday, Modi claimed that he faces a "real risk of torture" if he is extradited from the United Kingdom.

 

In April 2021, the UK ordered Modi's extradition to India where he would face charges of fraud and money laundering in an approximate $2 billion scam involving a government-owned Indian bank. Modi has since filed several unsuccessful bail and appeal applications. 

 

At the most recent hearing, Modi's barrister relied on a precedent from the extradition case of a defense sector consultant who was facing tax evasion and money laundering charges. The man's extradition had been rejected on human rights grounds after he argued the risk of torture by Indian investigating agencies. 

 

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service, representing the Indian government, argued that it had already given reassurances that could not be reneged, if simply for the "high-profile nature" of the diamantaire's case. 

 

TOI reported that Modi attended a hearing virtually while three officers from India's Central Bureau of Investigation attended in person.

 

Modi was a high-profile Indian diamond dealer who quickly rose to prominence through social circles in India and abroad, often dressing celebrities.

 

His fame turned into disrepute in 2018 when a government bank official's retirement unraveled a long-spun web to reveal the merchant had taken billions in loan without any credit guarantee. Before he could be arrested, Modi fled to the UK.

 

"This case is of extreme importance, to Mr. Modi and to the Indian officials who have traveled from India. We will deliver the judgment as soon as possible," PTI reported the judge saying who wrapped up the hearing early.


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