(Image source from: The Wire)

The issue regarding how fugitive Nirav Modi had been traveling on an Indian passport even after the Ministry claimed to have revoked it in Friday is likely to be queried by Investigating agencies, in a meeting scheduled for this week with External Affairs Ministry officials.

The meeting is held specifically on the issue of extradition requests. The Ministry declined to the comment when asked whether the issue of Nirav Modi would also be taken up.

The agencies have received information from foreign jurisdictions revealing that he had been traveling on an Indian passport till March 31 and had as well visited the United Kingdom. The probe has been made in response to an Interpol diffusion notice, which sought confirmation on the fugitive's movements and location.

"It is surprising how he was allowed to use an Indian passport," said an official. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has now approached the Interpol to issue Red Notice Nishal Modi and Subhash Parab too.

Earlier, the agency had applied for Red Notice against Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, while his male sibling Nishal is a Belgian citizen and Parab, an executive in his company.   

After the special court took cognizance of its charge sheet on Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate has as well written to the Interpol for the issuance of Red Notice against Nirav Modi.

The CBI on Wednesday reiterated that the current location of Nirav Modi is not known. In an attempt to locate him and other accused persons, the agency had sent the diffusion notice on February 15. In response, it has received some information regarding his movements in the United Kingdom.

However, the CBI is yet to get a confirmation on his present whereabouts. "After getting the diffusion notice issued through the Interpol channel on February 15, the CBI proactively pursued it with individual countries likely to be visited by the accused fugitives, reiterating confirmation of their addresses/locations," said a CBI official.

The official said the UK National Central Bureau (Interpol) had shared certain details of movements of the fugitives which have been shared with the investigating units and other sister agencies for further probe.

By Sowmya Sangam