PNB scam: Nakshatra, Gili 'directors' living in chawls, one-room sets
Billionaire Nirav Modi fled the country after allegedly duping PNB of Rs. 11,400cr. All businesses linked to him are now under the scanner, including Nakshatra, Gitanjali and Gili and their directors. But a closer look reveals surprising information: some of these 'directors' stay in chawls and dingy rooms and are struggling to survive. They were shocked to suddenly find themselves in the messy situation.
This 'director' is staying in a one-room-kitchen in Dahisar
Mihir Bhaskar Joshi is one of the listed directors of Gili on paper. His registered address is a one-room-kitchen in Prasad Chawl, Dahisar, but has rented it out and lives in a nearby flat. The watchman, who claims they've lived there for some time, said they're home, but nobody answered the door when Mumbai Mirror visited. Neighbors say he works in a private company.
This 'director,' living in a one-room, is a small-time investor
There's 61-year-old Dinesh Bhatia, Gili and Nakshatra 'director,' whom the company offered Rs. 2L to use his name on paper, his son Raunak says. The family lives in a one-room tenement in Bhatia Niwas, Kalbadevi. "Just look at our house, do you think we have cash stashed away here?" Raunak asks. The small-time investor has now withdrawn from his official post, his son says.
This 'director,' widow, single mother, hasn't received salaries in months
Jyoti Vora, widow, single mother and Nakshatra 'director,' was an assistant to Choksi and hasn't been paid salaries for months. "She's struggling to make ends meet," a Hillrock Society neighbor said. Pankuri Warange, Gitanjali 'director,' hasn't been living at her registered Mulund East address since eight years. She's cooperating with investigators, her father-in-law said, adding, "She leaves home early and returns late."
This 'director' is actually an accountant at Gili
The case is similar for many others. A Nair, another Gili 'director,' officially stays in Chawl 2, Sanju Colony, Kalyan East, but lives in a nearby apartment. His wife says he's an accountant at Gili, and is in Kerala to look after his ailing sister.
Meanwhile, Modi asks employees to 'look for other jobs'
Nirav Modi and his family, including his wife, brother and uncle Choksi, left the country weeks before the seven-year-old scam came to light. His lawyer insists he isn't absconding, but is out for "business purposes." In a letter to his employees, he has reportedly asked them to look for other jobs, saying he will "not be in a position to pay your dues."
