UK PM says he wants Nirav Modi and Vijay Mally taken back to India
text_fields
British prime minister Boris Johnson
"
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that his government has ordered the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya but legal technicalities have made it "very difficult". He was speaking at a press conference when questions related to the economic fugitives came up.
Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi are three Indian businessmen currently living in the UK after defrauding public sector banks by siphoning the funds through their companies. Public sector banks have suffered a loss of Rs 22,585.83 crore due to their actions.
He added that the UK government does not want the country to welcome people who use the British legal system to evade the law in India. "The UK government wants Modi and Mallya to be taken back to India for trial," reported ANI.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla had mentioned that the issue of economic fugitives was part of the discussion held between PM Modi and his UK counterpart. He added that Mr Johnson was very sensitive to Indian concerns in the matter. Mr Johnson stated that their extradition is a high priority because they need to face India's justice system.
The British PM said that the UK government has set up an anti-extremist task force to help India in the matter. "We don't tolerate extremist groups setting up in the UK threatening other countries, threatening India."
Vijay Mallya is accused of fraud and money laundering. According to the government's estimation, he owes 17 Indian banks Rs 9,000 crore. Nirav Modi was in the business of luxury diamond jewellery and is accused of orchestrating the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The Indian government has charged him with criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, corruption, money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, and breach of contract.