Nirav Modi’s counsel Hugo Keith offered 4 million pounds to secure the bail that the court refused to accept. The Crown Prosecution Service, representing the Indian government, told the court that there has been no change in the material evidence. This is the fifth time since March that the London court has rejected bail of Nirav Modi.

Nirav Modi had filed a bail application on the grounds that he is suffering from anxiety and depression. Nirav Modi, in his bail application, also said that he can be kept under house arrest but not in prison anymore.

In addition, defence argued that Nirav Modi was threatened and assaulted by two prison inmates. The prison is investigating the matter.

But none of the arguments persuaded the court to allow Nirav Modi out on bail.

Indian agencies through Crown Prosecution Service have called him a flight risk and someone who has orchestrated India’s biggest financial scam before the London court. Nirav Modi is facing extradition by the Indian investigative agencies.

Rejecting the bail plea despite fresh evidence, Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that Nirav Modi has tempered with evidence and threatened witnesses in the past, thus, she has to consider that “past is a prediction of what might happen in the future.”

Taking note of the alleged assault of Nirav Modi by prison inmates, Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that she will write to the concerned authorities to ensure his security.

To bring back the fugitive, Indian agencies and government, have stepped up efforts to expedite Nirav Modi’s extradition to India after the fugitive businessman was arrested in London on March 19.

The diamantaire has earlier offered the court 2 million pounds in bond and to remain under 24-hour curfew and surveillance, but the court was not convinced.

Nirav Modi’s lawyers had earlier argued that their client was accused in “a white-collar case and the rate of absconding in such cases was incredibly low [therefore Nirav Modi should get bail] but even this ground was rejected by the Westminster Court, London.

The Crown Prosecution Service, representing the Indian agencies, had alleged that Nirav Modi should not be granted bail as he could destroy evidence. On the instruction of Nirav Modi, documents and phones were destroyed in his China office.

According to Indian agencies, Nirav Modi, prime accused in Rs 13000 crore scam, travelled on a revoked passport and even after a Red Corner Notice against him. On this ground, the CPS maintains that if Modi is out on bail, then he may flee from their country.

Physical assault in jail

Defence expressed concern over the medical condition of Nirav Modi being leaked to the press and claimed that the genesis of this are the Indian investigating agencies.

The judge mentioned that it was “very unfortunate” that confidential documents were leaked to the press and if it’s found that it was indeed the Government of India then it will “undermine the court’s trust in them”.

Next, Nirav Modi will appear in the court via video link for his remand hearing on December 4.

The extradition trial begins in May next year.