Extension for ED Jt Director probing Nirav Modi case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday extended the tenure of its Joint Director Satyabrata Kumar, who has been supervising the investigation into the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan default case involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi.

"Satyabrata Kumar shall continue to look after the charge of Mumbai Zonal office-I until further orders of the Director of Enforcement," said an ED order issued on Friday. 

ED Director Sanjay Mishra approved the extension order of Kumar cancelling as "void ab initio" the previous order passed by the Regional Special Director of the Enforcement, Western Region, Vineet Agarwal. 

Earlier in the day, Agarwal issued an order stating that Kumar had completed his tenure of five years. "No extension in deputation beyond the 5th year is allowed and deputation officer is deemed to have been relieved on the date of expiry of the deputation period unless the competent authority has with requisite approvals, extended the period of deputation, in writing, prior to the date of its expiry," the order said. -IANS