(Image source from: news18.com)

Indian businessman Nirav Modi who went away from the country is trying hard not to return back. He was arrested in London and the Indian officials are completely successful in bringing the process of extradition of this absconding businessman back to the country. Nirav Modi has been facing charges of fraud, money laundering and he owes Rs 13,000 crores to Indian banks. In a last attempt to appeal the extradition to India, Nirav Modi during his recent hearing told the court that it would be suicidal if he is sent back to India. He has been asked to appeal his extradition in the coming weeks. If he is denied permission, he will have to be sent to India in the next 28 days if his order.

His lawyers told the court that Nirav Modi is mentally unwell and he should be exempted to send to India under the UK's Mental Health Act. They also said that Nirav Modi had a long history of depression and suicidal thoughts after his mother jumped from their balcony when Nirav was eight years old. The lawyers argued about sending Nirav Modi's case to the Home Secretary and they called it a wrong attempt. They also said that the Arthur jail in Mumbai is overcrowded and is Covid-infected. They discussed about the health system of India. The lawyers also argued that Nirav Modi will be denied a fair trial in India because of the political situations in the country.

Nirav Modi through his lawyers made it clear that sending him back to India would have a huge impact on his mental health. Nirav Modi happened to be a jeweler to stars like Kate Winslet and he operated boutiques across the world. Nirav Modi was arrested in March 2019 and his bail petition was repeatedly rejected. He was staged in Wandsworth prison.

By Siva Kumar