PNB Fraud Case: Special CBI Court Rejects Plea To Cancel NBW Against Nirav Modi’s Close Aide Mihir Bhansali After 7 Years Of Absence

Mumbai, October 19, 2026: A special CBI court has ruled against Mihir Bhansali, a close aide of accused businessman Nirav Modi, who is currently living in the United States, denying his plea to revoke the non-bailable warrant against him after a prolonged absence. The court stated that Bhansali had been aware of the ongoing crime and the case against him since 2018, yet he failed to appear even after the warrant was issued seven years ago.

The court emphasized that Bhansali was aware of his involvement in the fraud and had deliberately evaded arrest, making his request for canceling the warrant unjustified. Bhansali had challenged the warrant issued in June 2020, arguing that the CBI had not followed proper procedural steps in issuing the summons and warrant. However, the prosecution contended that Bhansali had knowledge of the fraud and had absconded earlier.

The court observed that Bhansali had chosen to remain outside the country and evade lawful process, labeling him a fugitive offender. The court noted that Bhansali's application was filed after a long time, only as a consequence of the investigative agency's efforts to secure his presence, and that he was attempting to create an artificial appearance of cooperation to avoid legal consequences.