Enforcement Directorate raids Nirav Modi's jewellery showroom in Mumbai
Nirav Modi's home, showrooms and offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Surat were searched today after Punjab National Bank (PNB) complained of staggering fraud at the cost of the taxpayer to benefit the celebrity jeweller and others. Nirav Modi, recently seen in a group photo in Davos with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flew out of India on January 1. The Congress accused PM Modi of helping "Chhota Modi" escape the country though he had been aware of a scam since 2016, when a whistleblower wrote to him on Nirav Modi's uncle Mehul Choksi and warned that he would leave the country. The government called the charge "shameful" and declared that "no one will be spared, no matter how big". Nirav Modi's passport will be revoked, said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Here are highlights on the allegations of financial fraud against Nirav Modi:This is a standalone incident. It has taken place only in one of our branches: Sunil Mehta, MD PNB
Priyanka Chopra, who featured in one of the advertisement campaigns for jewellery designer Nirav Modi, is currently seeking legal opinion to terminate her contract with the brand, the actor's spokesperson said today.
In searches in Nirav Modi case, investigators seize diamonds, jewellery and gold worth Rs 5,100 crore: news agency PTI
"Is it possible to believe that he or Vijay Mallya left the country without active connivance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (government)?" the Arvind Kejriwal asked in a tweet.
Central Bureau of Investigation has questioned PNB bank officials in connection with the case. Noone has been arrested so far, reported news agency ANI
"Use of the word chhota Modi shameful, condemnable and utterly irresponsible" The use of the word chhota Modi is shameful, condemnable and utterly irresponsible.
My answer is very clear, even if he is abroad we will investigate. India's standing globally is different now, people listen to our voice today..... The investigation is proceeding with great speed.
"Noone will be spared in Nirav Modi case"
We want to make it clear again that noone will be spared in this case (Nirav Modi). A lot of people were involved and we will take strict action against them. I want to ask..is it not true that the income of jeweler Mehul choksy had doubled in 2011? What do we make of this?
2G, Commonwealth, Adarsh scam took place during Congress rule: Ravi Shankar PrasadCongress leader Poonawaala had once tweeted an image of a show by Nirav Modi which Rahul Gandhi had attended. What would they want to say about that
Congress is constantly taking Vijay Mallya's name. I want to read out something that people should know...: In a series of email letters, Mallya thanked the former PM for making the time to talk to him. "Thank you for sparing the time to meet me on September 8 to talk about the difficulties Kingfisher is facing at this time." Mallya's letter to Dr Singh said.
2G scam, commonwealth, adarsh scam, all of them took place during the Congress.
Nirav Modi's assets worth 1,300 crore frozen: Ravi Shankar PrasadAssets worth Rs 1,300 crore has been seized. His passport is being revoked. I wish to make it very clear that noone shall be spared in the banking system who has helped Nirav Modi. No matter what designation the person hold, we will take strict measures
Congress is making bizzare allegations. What do they mean by Chhota Modi. We understand their pain for constantly losing in the polls..but this kind of a statement is demeaning and not tolerable. Congress should stop playing politics with pictures..we have very good and cozy photographs of the Congress leaders but we dont want to stoop to that level.
Nirav Modi is believed to be in Switzerland according to the Press Trust of India.
Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on January 1, long before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on January 29 about a Rs. 280-crore fraud, officials said.
His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while his wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, flew out on January 6, the officials said.
"This happened in UPA's time and has been kept suppressed. It is their gift. In fact, we have brought it out. There will be action definitely," said Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman, reported news agency IANS.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked in a tweet, "Is it possible to believe that he or Vijay Mallya left the country without active connivance of BJP govt?"
Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted about Nirav Modi's meeting with the prime minister at Davos this year.
PNB chief said, "If the investigation says it's our liability, we will accept it."
Sunil Mehta said, "We will honour our bona fide commitments. We will comply with regulators and matter is being investigated. We will not spare anyone."
Punjab National Bank boss Sunil Mehta addressed a press conference on this issue. He said, "We have investigated this and gone to the law enforcement officials. We have informed all the lenders and SEBI for clean banking. We have the capabilities to come out of the situation. Raids and documents are being seized by law enforcement agencies to protect the bank's interest."
At least nine properties were searched, including Nirav Modi's home in Mumbai's Kurla, his jewellery boutique in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda, and showrooms in Chanakyapuri and Defence Colony in Delhi.