ED files applications against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed two separate applications in a special PMLA court here against absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi under Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018.

ED also sought orders for confiscation of their assets in India, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

"CBI team had come here in connection with Nirav Modi case. Two locals have been detained by them. CBI team was given assistance by police as per protocol," said Superintendent of Police Ajmer, Rajasthan Rajendra Singh Choudhary.

Nirav Modi is reportedly in the UK and needs to be extradited as non-bailable warrant (NBW) has already been issued against him.

The Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.

RCN has also been issued against Nirav's brother Nishal Modi and his company's executive Subhash Parab in connection with the scam.

On June 28, an official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India has requested a group of countries to deny entry to Nirav.

The Ministry also sought assistance from some European countries including France, UK and Belgium to trace and restrict Nirav's movements.

For those unversed, the PNB detected the multi-crore scam this year, wherein Nirav and his uncle-cum-business-partner Mehul Choksi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of USD 2 billion, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.