Nirav Modi Cites Suicide Risk, Lack of Mental Health Support in India in New Extradition Appeal
Active Times For Printing Download Epaper from files section from bottom of this page
New Delhi : Fugitive diamantaire merchant NiravModi on Wednesday cited poor conditions of Indian jails and increased “risk" of depression that may lead to suicide as arguments in a fresh appeal against extradition appeal in the UK.Modi’s lawyer said understaffing of doctors and overcrowding lead to delays in getting prisoners to hospitals when in need. He also cited Modi’s mental health risk and suicidal tendencies from the time his mother died by suicide when he was eight years old and systematic delays in getting psychiatric consultations.
Modi is likely to be at immediate risk of suicide if he is extradited, his lawyer argued that the event can trigger grave depression, which could lead to self-harm. Extradition must be refused for that reason, he said.Acknowledging his right to have consultations with a psychiatrist of his choice in Indian prisons, Modi argued that approval for a visit would have to be taken from a judge based on their whims. Because of this, the permission might be severely delayed and may cause his condition to deteriorate. If the psychiatrist can get in into an overcrowded prison, there may be delays in giving him medicines by an overstretched staff, his lawyer said.
