Fugitive Indian diamond dealer 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 and Press Trust of India, Modi claimed through his barristers that he faces a "real risk of torture" if extradited from the United Kingdom to India.

In April 2021, the UK ordered Modi's extradition to India, where he faces charges of fraud and money laundering in an approximate $2 billion scam involving a government-owned bank. Modi has since filed several unsuccessful bail and appeal applications. At the recent hearing, his barrister cited a precedent from the extradition case of a defense sector consultant, whose extradition was 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 provided reassurances that could not be reneged, given the "high-profile nature" of the diamantaire's case. Three officers from India's Central Bureau of Investigation attended the hearing in person, while Modi participated virtually.

Modi was a high-profile Indian diamond dealer who rose to prominence through social circles in India and abroad, often dressing celebrities. His fame turned to disrepute in 2018 when a government bank official's retirement unraveled a scheme revealing the dealer had taken billions in loans without credit guarantees. Before arrest, Modi fled to the UK. The judge stated, "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."

Source: www.dw.com