PNB Fraud: Nirav Modi Does Not Have Multiple Passports, Says MEA

Nirav Modi was issued a fresh passport only after previous passports were cancelled, said External Affairs Ministry.

Absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi.

(Photo: The Quint)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, 28 June, stated that absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi did not possess multiple passports at any point of time. Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that fresh passport was issued to Modi only after the previous passports were cancelled.

The MEA added that the Punjab National Bank fraud accused’s passport was suspended in February, and was eventually revoked.

Nirav Modi was issued a fresh passport only after his previous passport were physically cancelled. At no time he had more than one valid passport in his possession. You are all aware that in February this year, based on the advice of our agencies, his passport was initially suspended and then revoked.  

The revocation notice was sent to all Passport Issuing Authorities in India and abroad as well as to all our Missions and Posts.  Intimation was also given to the agencies on this matter.  We have sent a message to all our Missions as well as to select countries requesting the help of the local government in denying entry and to inform us if he is residing in their country.

MEA

Media reports earlier claimed that Nirav Modi was in possession of six passports, of which two were active for “quite some time”.

The four other passports were found to be not active, sources had told PTI.

The CBI, earlier in June, claimed that the absconding Modi managed to travel to several countries on his revoked Indian passport. This, in spite of the fact that the information of his revoked passport was flashed in the Interpol central database on 24 February 2018, said the CBI official spokesperson.