FUGITIVE DIAMOND jeweller Nirav Modi’s youthful sister and brother-in-law might be witnesses in opposition to him in two instances filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after a particular courtroom on Monday allowed their utility for grant of pardon.
Last month, Purvi Mehta and her husband, Maiank Mehta, had filed purposes earlier than the courtroom stating that they wished to distance themselves from Nirav Modi, and will present “substantial and important evidence” related to him and his dealings.
Purvi, a Belgian nationwide, and Maiank, a British nationwide, submitted that their private {and professional} lives had come to a “standstill” due to Nirav Modi’s “alleged criminal activities”. They sought to be examined as witnesses within the two instances of cash laundering filed by the ED, saying they may make disclosures which might show vital to determine the details in opposition to Nirav and different accused.
Nirav and others are going through instances filed by the CBI and ED for allegedly committing a fraud of over Rs 6,498.20 crore on the Punjab National Bank by issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking. Purvi and Maiank haven’t been named as accused by the CBI, however have been named as co-accused in two ED instances.
The ED gave its no-objection to them turning prosecution witnesses of their particular person capacities however objected to permitting any firms or entities named as accused being granted related pardon.
Special Judge V C Barde allowed their purposes for pardon provided that they make full and true disclosures. The courtroom stated the pardon was granted solely to them of their particular person capacities.
In their purposes, Purvi and Maiank stated they have been unable to journey to India resulting from Covid-19 restrictions on worldwide journey, however have been keen to supply their statements over video-conference, together with earlier than the Justice of the Peace.
“The accused is at present staying abroad, who shall be directed to present herself before the Court, for which purpose the prosecution shall take necessary steps to facilitate the approach of accused to India to take part in the proceeding as soon as may be in the facts and circumstances prevailing currently,” the courtroom stated.
The ED had alleged that Purvi and Maiank have been additionally concerned in money-laundering. It was alleged that numerous entities, financial institution accounts and trusts in Purvi’s identify have been used to launder cash in India and overseas. A purple nook discover was issued by Interpol in opposition to her, whereas properties in New York and London have been connected by the ED.
In their statements to the ED in October, Purvi and Maiank had stated they’d totally cooperate with the probe.
Modi was declared a fugitive financial offender in 2019 and is at present going through extradition proceedings within the UK.
