london sources stated that a UK court has rejected a bail plea of the fugitive diamond merchant Nirav modi on wednesday despite an offer of an "unprecedented bail package", which included 4 million pounds in security as well as house arrest akin to those imposed on terrorist suspects. Meanwhile the 48 year old diamond merchant, who is fighting extradition to india on charges of nearly 2 billion dollars Punjab National bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, was produced before Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot at Westminster Magistrates' court for his fourth attempt at bail.
Furthermore Nirav modi was taken back to Wandsworth prison in south-west london and will next appear via video link before the same court on december 4. Judge Arbuthnot said "The past is a prediction of what might happen in the future," as she concluded that she remains unconvinced that he would not interfere with witnesses or fail to surrender before the court for his trial in May 2020.
Moreover she however, was extremely critical of "appalling" leaks to the Indian media last month associated with Modi's latest bail application, which referred to his mental health condition from a confidential medical report. The Judge said "It is very unfortunate indeed that the doctor's report was leaked. It should not happen and would undermine the court's trust in the government of india, if indeed that emerges to be the source of the leak".
