CBI gets nod to attach Nirav Modi's UK bank account

Mumbai: A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Monday allowed an application made by the CBI seeking order for attachment of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s bank account in London containing more than 12,70,000 pounds and USD 1,244. The CBI said it believes that this money is proceeds of the crime and they want to attach the account before the bank releases the money to Modi, as the bank has decided to terminate its relation with Nirav Modi Ltd.

CBI counsel Omprakash argued before special CBI judge Sardar Tamboli that during the investigation of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, the agency came to know Modi has an account with Barclays Bank Plc at Harrow in London under the name Nirav Modi Ltd. He further argued that the agency has also learnt that the bank has decided to terminate its relations with Nirav Modi Ltd and are seeking to pay away the balance amount of 1,279,517 pounds and USD 1,244.

Advocate Yashward-han Tiwari requested the court that he should be heard on behalf of Modi before passing any order on the CBI’s application, Mr Omprakash opposed his request, saying he does not have any locus at this stage. Judge Tamboli then asked Mr Tiwari to first show his locus. The judge asked him to show his vakalatnama to which Mr Tiwari said that as per law he can represent Modi on the basis of Memo. But the judge said if the accused is missing and his signature is not on any of the documents, the court couldn’t allow the lawyer to represent him. The judge also asked him if he could provide Modi’s address to which Mr Tiwari gave his Mumbai address but the judge told him that if the lawyer is unable to give his present address in writing and show his locus, the court couldn’t allow him to argue.

Later, the judge allowed the CBI’s plea to attach the bank account.