Fugitive diamond merchant NiravModi, fighting extradition to India on charges over the nearly USD 2 billionPunjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, was produced for aregular remand hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursdayand further remanded in custody until February 27.

The 48-year-old, who has beenlodged at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, appeared via videolink fromprison before District Judge David Robinson.

The case is proceeding inaccordance with the directions for a final hearing on May 11, the judge toldModi, as he set the next 28-day remand hearing via videolink for February 27.

Modi's extradition trial isscheduled for five days starting May 11, with the case management hearings inthe case set to begin once all the evidence has been handed in to the court forthe trial.