The story of Nirav Modi, once a celebrated diamond merchant, has taken another dramatic turn as a UK court has denied him bail for the tenth time. The High Court of Justice in London made this decision on May 15, 2025, saying that if released, Modi might try to escape and not return to face trial for his alleged role in one of India’s biggest banking scams.
Who is Nirav Modi and What Did He Do?
Nirav Modi is a businessman from India who became famous for his luxury diamond brand. But his name is now more known for a huge scandal. He is accused of cheating Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s largest government banks, out of thousands of crores of rupees. The scam involved fake promises (called Letters of Undertaking or LoUs) that Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, allegedly used to get loans from other banks around the world.
The Indian government says that Modi and his associates used these fake documents between 2011 and 2018 to borrow money that was never paid back. The total amount of the scam is said to be over Rs 6,400 crore (about $2 billion), making it one of the largest banking frauds in India’s history.
How Did He End Up in a UK Jail?
When the scam came to light in 2018, Nirav Modi left India. Indian agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) started investigating him. The Indian government asked the UK to arrest him. In March 2019, British police arrested Modi in London based on a request from India.
Since then, Modi has been in a UK prison. India wants him brought back to face trial. The UK court has already approved his extradition (sending him back to India), but the process is still going on.
Why Did the UK Court Deny Bail Again?
Modi has tried to get bail ten times, and each time the court has said no. The main reason is that the court believes he might run away and not come back to face justice.
Justice Michael Fordham, who made the latest decision, said that after looking at all the evidence, the court believes there is a strong case against Modi. The judge also said that Modi is accused of very serious crimes and that he has tried to interfere with the case by destroying evidence and influencing witnesses.
The court was also worried because Modi is said to have access to a lot of money—about Rs 5,000 crore—that is hard to trace. If he gets bail, he could use this money to disappear.
What Did Modi’s Lawyers Say?
Modi’s lawyers argued that he would not run away because he is afraid of the Indian authorities. They said that he is worried about his safety and would not leave the UK. They also mentioned some recent news stories about Indian authorities and Sikh activists in other countries, but the judge did not accept these arguments.
The Indian government’s lawyers, helped by a team from the CBI, said that Modi is a big flight risk. They reminded the court that he had tried to get citizenship in another country (Vanuatu) and could try to tamper with evidence or witnesses if released.
What Happens Next?
Nirav Modi will stay in jail in the UK while the extradition process continues. The Indian government is still working to bring him back. The UK court has already said that he can be sent to India, but there may be more legal steps before that happens.
This case is not just about one person. It shows how big financial crimes can affect thousands of people. When banks lose huge amounts of money, it can hurt the economy and make it harder for ordinary people to get loans or trust banks.
At the same time, the case raises questions about how countries work together to catch people accused of crimes. The UK and India have laws that allow them to help each other, but the process can be slow and complicated.
From a neutral point of view, it is important to remember that Nirav Modi has not been found guilty yet. The court has only said that there is enough evidence to send him back to India for trial. Everyone has the right to a fair trial, and it is up to the courts in India to decide if he is guilty or not.
The repeated denial of bail shows how seriously the courts are taking the risk that Modi might try to escape. It also shows that the courts are listening to the concerns of the Indian government, which wants to make sure that justice is done.
Why Does This Story Matter?
This story is important because it shows that no matter how rich or powerful someone is, they cannot escape the law forever. It also shows that international cooperation is needed to fight big financial crimes.
For kids and young people, this story can be a lesson about honesty and responsibility. It reminds us that cheating and lying can have big consequences, not just for the people who do it, but for many others as well.
Final Note
Nirav Modi, accused of a massive bank fraud, has been denied bail for the tenth time by a UK court. The court is worried that if he is released, he might try to escape and not face trial in India. The case is a reminder of how serious financial crimes can be and how countries need to work together to make sure justice is done. The story is still unfolding, and the world is watching to see what happens next.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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