Government, opposition trade barbs over report on Nirav Modi

NEW DELHI: The government and the opposition traded barbs on Saturday after a media report revealed that fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi is living in a swanky £8 million apartment in

London

's West End and is now involved in a new diamond business.


Slamming the government over the report published by UK daily The Telegraph, the Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running a "fraudster settlement yojana" for fugitives like Nirav Modi.

The BJP later hit back saying that Nirav Modi began his fraud in 2011 when the UPA dispensation was in power and that the Modi government detected and exposed it.

"Many of these who cheated India during the UPA government have been brought back and are in custody. Others will follow. They are living the life of fugitives and refugees," the BJP tweeted, terming the allegations of the opposition party a case of pot calling the kettle black.

Earlier today, the Congress had alleged that fugitives had looted Rs 1 lakh crore from Indian banks but not even one of them has been caught in five years of the Modi government.

"Fugitive Nirav Modi has been seen enjoying in London, living in a Rs 75 crore flat and wearing a 10,000 pound jacket," Congress's chief spokesperson

Randeep Surjewala

told reporters.

"First loot Rs 23,000 crore from banks, then run away from the country without any checks, mock the CBI and the ED and then make a comfortable home in a Rs 75 crore flat. (Narendra) Modi is there, so it is possible," he claimed.

"The video of fugitive #NiravModi in London shows an uncanny similarity between him & his bhai, PM Modi. Both have looted India and are called Modi. Both refuse to answer any questions. Both believe they are above the law. Both will face justice," Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Countering the Congress's charges, the BJP asserted that no one who cheats India can get away under the Modi government.

"Nirav Modi's fraud to cheat the banks started in 2011 when UPA government was in power. It was detected and exposed during the Modi government. The offender was declared a fugitive, his assets seized, illegal house blown up and businesses closed," it said.

The BJP added that criminal cases have been filed by investigation agencies who have been probing him for tax evasion, money laundering and criminal fraud.

Nirav Modi, 48, was tracked down to a three-bedroom flat occupying half of a floor of the landmark Centre Point tower block of luxury apartments, where rent is estimated to be around 17,000 pounds a month, 'The Telegraph' had reported.