CBI requests RCN against Nirav Modi

New Delhi: The CBI on Monday requested the Interpol to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in connection with `13,000 crore fraud involving Punjab National bank.

The agency has written to the Interpol to issue the notice which would mean that the member countries of the Lyon-based international police cooperation agency can arrest and extradite the duo who fled the country in the first week of January, weeks before the bank filed a complaint with the CBI. His brother and wife were also named as accused in the FIR.

Ina related development, Nirav Modi has reportedly applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom. According to media reports the absconding diamantaire has fled to the UK and has sought asylum claiming “political persecution” back home.  Nirav and his uncle Mehul Choksi are being investigated by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate for allegedly cheating the PNB.

However, India on Monday made it clear that the UK should not be viewed as a safe haven for wanted criminals of other countries. India’s message was conveyed to UK minister of state for countering extremism Baroness Williams by Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju at a meeting here on Monday.

Raising the issue of fugitives such as Mr Modi, liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who were wanted by New Delhi for frauds and financial misappropriations, Mr Rijiju said Britain should not be viewed as a safe haven for men wanted by the law of the other country for various offences.

Officials said a delegation from the UK has confirmed that Mr Modi is currently in that country.