Nirav Modi did not have more than one valid passport at a time: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday informed that the absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi did not have multiple passports to travel to different countries at any point of time.

They further said that Modi's passport was suspended in February and revoked thereafter. Further, they confirmed that a fresh passport to him was issued only after the old one was physically cancelled and he did not have more than one valid passport. 

The MEA said that the revocation notice was sent to all Passport Issuing Authorities in India and abroad as well as to all their Missions and Posts. Intimation was also given to the agencies on the matter. 

Moreover, they sent a message to all their Missions as well as to select countries requesting the help of the local government in denying entry and to inform them if he is residing in their country.

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.

Modi, who is wanted for Rs. 13,000-crore bank fraud in India is believed to have travelled on his Indian passport as recently as June 12, reports said. 

On February 24, the MEA revoked the passports of Nirav and his maternal uncle Mehul Choksi, promoter of Gitanjali Group, after they failed to respond to a February 16 notice issued by the Ministry, asking them to show-cause why their passports should not be impounded or revoked. 

India's Ministry of External Affairs has written to France, the United Kingdom and Belgium, asking them to help find the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. 

ANI reported earlier that the letters were written last week.