No passport, can't return: Mehul Choksi tells CBI
Repeating what Nirav Modi submitted to investigating agencies, his uncle Mehul Choksi, Gitanjali Gems chairman and an accused in the Rs. 12,650cr PNB scam, has refused to return to India citing revocation of passport, among others. His family faces threats in India, the probe is unfair, and moreover, his health doesn't allow him to travel, he added in a seven-page letter to the agency.
How India's biggest scam unfolded
Nirav Modi, diamantaire to global celebrities, and Choksi, Gitanjali Gems chairman, have been accused of defrauding PNB of Rs. 12,650cr. Firms linked to them allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from PNB during 2011-17 and based on them, obtained loans from foreign branches of Indian banks. Modi, his family and Choksi left India weeks before the scam was detected last month.
Nirav Modi told ED he couldn't return since passport revoked
On February 16, the MEA suspended the passports of Modi and Choksi for four weeks as probe continued. Responding to ED and CBI summons, Modi had cited his revoked passport as the reason for failure to return. He also quoted business engagements abroad. The Bureau of Immigration has since issued a Blue Corner notice against Modi and Choksi. But their current location remains unknown.
'Investigating agencies biased, acquaintances angry'
Choksi has now claimed the issue has been politicized by parties "with a view of glorifying their own interests." He alleged he faced threats from "employees, customers, creditors" and even investigating agencies, which are "after (his) life" with "a pre-determined mind" and have denied him "fundamental rights." Moreover, his passport had been suspended without explanation. "How I'm a security threat to India," he wondered.
'Would be denied treatment in private hospital in India'
About health issues, Choksi said, "I had a cardiac procedure in February first week and there's still work pending on the same...therefore I'm not allowed to travel for at least a period of four to six months." "I would not be able to get proper healthcare, and would be provided treatment in a government hospital. I would be denied treatment in a private hospital."
