India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar&nbsp;Punjab National Bank (PNB)&nbsp;fraud along with Nirav Modi.

The case involves Choksi allegedly inflating the value of diamonds and jewellery as the CBI reportedly booked Choksi and his company Gitanjali Gems including valuers Surajmal Lallu Bhai and Co, Narendra Jhaveri, Pradip C Shah and Shrenik Shah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fugitive-businessman-mehul-choksi-returns-to-antigua-after-dominica-court-lets-him-return-for-medical-treatment-398178">Also Read:&nbsp;Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment</a>

Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd had alleged that Choksi had approached it seeking Rs 25 crore working capital loan as he pledged shares,&nbsp;gold and diamond jewellery.

The valuers at the time had said the jewellery was in the range of Rs 34-45 crore on the basis of which IFCI sanctioned the loan.

Watch:&nbsp;India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen

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However, after the&nbsp;company allegedly defaulted on payments as IFCI called in the shares and jewellery but it could sell 6,48,822 shares for just Rs 4,07 crore even as 20,60,054 shares were pledged but the client ID of Mehul Choksi was blocked by NSDL, according to the complaint.

The incident was recorded in the FIR. Choksi along with Nirav Modi has been accused by Indian authorities of siphoning off over billions from Punjab National Bank (PNB) using fraudulent letters of undertaking and foreign letters of credit.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud along with Nirav Modi.

India Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on Monday filed a case against Mehul Choksi who is wanted in the multi-billion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud along with Nirav Modi. The case involves Choksi allegedly inflating the value of diamonds and jewellery as the CBI reportedly booked Choksi and his company Gitanjali Gems including valuers Surajmal Lallu Bhai and Co, Narendra Jhaveri, Pradip C Shah and Shrenik Shah. Also Read: Mehul Choksi returns to Antigua after Dominica court lets him return for medical treatment Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd had alleged that Choksi had approached it seeking Rs 25 crore working capital loan as he pledged shares, gold and diamond jewellery. The valuers at the time had said the jewellery was in the range of Rs 34-45 crore on the basis of which IFCI sanctioned the loan. Watch: India to Dominica court: Mehul Choksi is still an Indian citizen However, after the company allegedly defaulted on payments as IFCI called in the shares and jewellery but it could sell 6,48,822 shares for just Rs 4,07 crore even as 20,60,054 shares were pledged but the client ID of Mehul Choksi was blocked by NSDL, according to the complaint. The incident was recorded in the FIR. Choksi along with Nirav Modi has been accused by Indian authorities of siphoning off over billions from Punjab National Bank (PNB) using fraudulent letters of undertaking and foreign letters of credit. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

CBI files another case against Mehul Choksi after raids

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet.

Browne said that Choksi's lawyers gave the names of people involved in the alleged abduction to the police commissioner in a complaint, the Antigua News Room reported.

The Antigua and Barbuda prime minister also said that if the claims are true, then it is a serious matter. Browne said police are taking the complaint seriously, the report said.

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"Choksi has filed a complaint with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the extant that he was abducted. He made a formal claim through his attorneys that he was abducted from Antigua and taken to Dominica so it is a report that police is taking seriously and they are currently investigating the abduction," Browne said.

Another report in the Associates Times poked holes in the theory of Dominica opposition leader Lennox Linton, who had reportedly claimed that Choksi was brought to Dominica in the Yacht Calliope of Arne around 10 pm on May 23.

The family of Choksi had claimed that he was in Antigua till 5 pm on May 23, which makes it impossible to cover a 120-mile distance in four to five hours, which approximately takes about 12-13 hours, the publication said.

The report said that according to Customs document, the boat had left Antigua at 10 am on May 23, whereas Choksi's domestic staff had said that he was in his residence till 5 pm, which indicates that Choksi did not travel by the boat which Linton is claiming.

It quoted unnamed doctors of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, where Choksi is admitted, that a nail injury cited by his lawyers is an old one while other bruises could be new and could have been caused by even by a "slight push".

Choksi had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen. He was detained in the neighbouring island country, Dominica, for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend.

His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat.

Choksi was brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of the Dominica high court, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail.

He was admitted in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. The Dominica High Court has adjourned the hearing of the habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyers.

Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had fled India in the first week of January 2018 weeks before Rs 13,500 crore scam in Punjab National Bank (PNB) rocked the Indian banking industry.

The duo allegedly bribed the officials of the state-run bank to get Letters of Undertaking (LoU) on the basis of which they availed from overseas banks which remained unpaid.

The allegedly corrupt officials did not enter these LoUs in the core banking software of PNB, thus evading any scrutiny. The non-payment of these LoUs or bank guarantees worth Rs 13,500 crore resulted in default and became a liability on bank.

Modi escaped to Europe and was finally held in London where he is contesting his extradition to India while Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 where he had been staying since his escape from Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet. Browne said that Choksi's lawyers gave the names of people involved in the alleged abduction to the police commissioner in a complaint, the Antigua News Room reported. The Antigua and Barbuda prime minister also said that if the claims are true, then it is a serious matter. Browne said police are taking the complaint seriously, the report said. "Choksi has filed a complaint with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the extant that he was abducted. He made a formal claim through his attorneys that he was abducted from Antigua and taken to Dominica so it is a report that police is taking seriously and they are currently investigating the abduction," Browne said. Another report in the Associates Times poked holes in the theory of Dominica opposition leader Lennox Linton, who had reportedly claimed that Choksi was brought to Dominica in the Yacht Calliope of Arne around 10 pm on May 23. The family of Choksi had claimed that he was in Antigua till 5 pm on May 23, which makes it impossible to cover a 120-mile distance in four to five hours, which approximately takes about 12-13 hours, the publication said. The report said that according to Customs document, the boat had left Antigua at 10 am on May 23, whereas Choksi's domestic staff had said that he was in his residence till 5 pm, which indicates that Choksi did not travel by the boat which Linton is claiming. It quoted unnamed doctors of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, where Choksi is admitted, that a nail injury cited by his lawyers is an old one while other bruises could be new and could have been caused by even by a "slight push". Choksi had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen. He was detained in the neighbouring island country, Dominica, for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend. His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat. Choksi was brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of the Dominica high court, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail. He was admitted in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. The Dominica High Court has adjourned the hearing of the habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyers. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had fled India in the first week of January 2018 weeks before Rs 13,500 crore scam in Punjab National Bank (PNB) rocked the Indian banking industry. The duo allegedly bribed the officials of the state-run bank to get Letters of Undertaking (LoU) on the basis of which they availed from overseas banks which remained unpaid. The allegedly corrupt officials did not enter these LoUs in the core banking software of PNB, thus evading any scrutiny. The non-payment of these LoUs or bank guarantees worth Rs 13,500 crore resulted in default and became a liability on bank. Modi escaped to Europe and was finally held in London where he is contesting his extradition to India while Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 where he had been staying since his escape from Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Antigua police has started investigating Choksi's 'abduction': PM Gaston Browne

Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has gone missing in Antigua, the country he was living in since fleeing India in 2018. Reports say Choksi may have fled to Cuba. WION spoke to Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Palki Sharma brings you the highlights.

Gravitas: Mehul Choksi goes missing in Antigua

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne says that his government has informed India about Mehul Choksi being missing, adding that the information has also been shared with interpol.

Have informed India, information being shared with interpol, says Antigua and Barbuda's PM on Choksi

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country. “We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect”, Browne told WION.

Choksi is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Choksi and Nirav Modi, who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire&nbsp;are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said that a missing persons report has been put out locally, which “is now being shared with Interpol". Choksi has been missing from the country for over 24 hours.

Gaston Browne told WION that Choksi “had two matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda”. One pertained to the revocation of his citizenship and the other about extradition back to India. “He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched attorney. He recently contracted the services of one&nbsp;Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK”, he added.

“Our&nbsp;STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol”, he further said. Browne also added that India has put out a “red notice” if Choksi has indeed fled to another country.

&nbsp;“A green notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the red notice that has been already issued by government of India”, Browne told WION.

“We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process after that he would be expedited his case, exhausted all of his appeals then we will take action to have him extradited”, Browne added.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country. “We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect”, Browne told WION. Choksi is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Choksi and Nirav Modi, who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said that a missing persons report has been put out locally, which “is now being shared with Interpol". Choksi has been missing from the country for over 24 hours. Gaston Browne told WION that Choksi “had two matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda”. One pertained to the revocation of his citizenship and the other about extradition back to India. “He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched attorney. He recently contracted the services of one Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK”, he added. “Our STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol”, he further said. Browne also added that India has put out a “red notice” if Choksi has indeed fled to another country. “A green notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the red notice that has been already issued by government of India”, Browne told WION. “We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process after that he would be expedited his case, exhausted all of his appeals then we will take action to have him extradited”, Browne added.

WION Exclusive: No reliable information on Mehul Choksi fleeing the country, says Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that his govt has informed India of Mehul Choksi missing, with information being also shared with Interpol. Fugitive Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 cr PNB fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him

WION Exclusive with Gaston Browne over Mehul Choksi missing

Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaks with WION over fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's missing case from Caribbean island nation Antigua & Barbuda, where he had been staying since January 2018.

WION Exclusive with Gaston Browne over Mehul Choksi missing case

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in connection with ₹14,000 crore PNB loan fraud and money-laundering case, has gone missing in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antiguan police: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is missing

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-national-bank-fraud-case-british-court-rejects-fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modis-fresh-bail-application-260364">Punjab National Bank (PNB)</a> fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

In the police's initial charges, billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, 21 other people, including PNB officials, and three Modi companies were accused of being involved in fraudulent transactions that led to losses of roughly 65 billion rupees ($911 million) for PNB.

Three other Modi employees, a PNB officer, and a relative of Modi's are now also likely to be charged, said the source, who asked not to be identified as the charges have yet to be made public.

"The investigating officer's report is in and the charge sheet is ready. It is being reviewed by the head office," said the source.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PNB, India's second-biggest state-run bank, in 2018 alleged that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups - controlled by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi - raise funds in foreign credit. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Modi was arrested in London in March and is currently fighting extradition to India.

Police filed their first charges in May last year and at the time detailed only some of the alleged fraudulent transactions to Modi and his associates.

The new charge sheet will include 150 transactions and provide details on how fake bank guarantees were used to funnel funds between countries and dummy companies, the source said.

A separate second charge sheet against Choksi and his associates is still pending and will take time as police link 142 other transactions to that case, another source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

PNB has said losses related to Choksi and his associates were more than 70 billion rupees.

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. In the police's initial charges, billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, 21 other people, including PNB officials, and three Modi companies were accused of being involved in fraudulent transactions that led to losses of roughly 65 billion rupees ($911 million) for PNB. Three other Modi employees, a PNB officer, and a relative of Modi's are now also likely to be charged, said the source, who asked not to be identified as the charges have yet to be made public. "The investigating officer's report is in and the charge sheet is ready. It is being reviewed by the head office," said the source. India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PNB, India's second-biggest state-run bank, in 2018 alleged that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups - controlled by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi - raise funds in foreign credit. Both have denied any wrongdoing. Modi was arrested in London in March and is currently fighting extradition to India. Police filed their first charges in May last year and at the time detailed only some of the alleged fraudulent transactions to Modi and his associates. The new charge sheet will include 150 transactions and provide details on how fake bank guarantees were used to funnel funds between countries and dummy companies, the source said. A separate second charge sheet against Choksi and his associates is still pending and will take time as police link 142 other transactions to that case, another source told Reuters on condition of anonymity. PNB has said losses related to Choksi and his associates were more than 70 billion rupees.

CBI to soon file fresh charges in $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case: Report

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement.

Sanjay Abbot, Choksi`s counsel, told the court, "Presently he is not medically fit to travel. So his statement can either be recorded through video conferencing or ED officers can go to Antigua and record his statement or wait for three months if his conditions improve, he will come back to record his statement."

The court was hearing the Enforcement Directorate`s application to declare Choksi as a `fugitive economic offender.`

On November 6 this year, Deepak Kulkarni, an associate of fugitive businessman Choksi, was arrested by the ED in Kolkata upon his arrival from Hong Kong.

Kulkarni was the director of Choksi`s dummy firm in Hong Kong. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED had earlier issued a lookout circular against him.

Earlier in September, Choksi had said that all allegations levelled against him by the ED were "false and baseless."

Calling himself a "soft target in a small country," Choksi had said that he was undergoing media trial in connection with the alleged US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud scam.

Choksi also held the public sector bank PNB responsible for misinforming the probe agencies, adding that it was unprecedented how his company came to a complete standstill without thorough investigation.

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement.

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement. Sanjay Abbot, Choksi`s counsel, told the court, "Presently he is not medically fit to travel. So his statement can either be recorded through video conferencing or ED officers can go to Antigua and record his statement or wait for three months if his conditions improve, he will come back to record his statement." The court was hearing the Enforcement Directorate`s application to declare Choksi as a `fugitive economic offender.` On November 6 this year, Deepak Kulkarni, an associate of fugitive businessman Choksi, was arrested by the ED in Kolkata upon his arrival from Hong Kong. Kulkarni was the director of Choksi`s dummy firm in Hong Kong. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED had earlier issued a lookout circular against him. Earlier in September, Choksi had said that all allegations levelled against him by the ED were "false and baseless." Calling himself a "soft target in a small country," Choksi had said that he was undergoing media trial in connection with the alleged US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud scam. Choksi also held the public sector bank PNB responsible for misinforming the probe agencies, adding that it was unprecedented how his company came to a complete standstill without thorough investigation.

Mehul Choksi medically unfit, can't travel from Antigua to India: Counsel to court

The Central Bureau of Investigation has initiated a probe in connection with Rs 5,280 crore loan given to Mehul Choksi’s Gitanjali Group by a consortium of banks led by the ICICI Bank.

The probe comes in addition to the existing FIR filed against Choksi and his Gitanjali Group of companies.

The fresh investigation, into Rs 5,280 crore loan amount, is separate from the Rs 13,600 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud which is already being probed by the CBI.

CBI filed a case against Choksi-led Gitanjali group of companies for allegedly defrauding the bank of Rs 4,8886.72 crore. Another PNB complaint raised on February 22 increased the fraud amount by another Rs 1,251.56 crore.

An additional complaint from PNB against the Gitanjali Group emerged, this time around the sum involved amounted to around Rs 942.18 crore.&nbsp;

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiates a probe in connection with Rs 5,280 crore loan given to Mehul Choksi’s Gitanjali Group by a 31-bank consortium led by the ICICI Bank
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Meanwhile. a special CBI court in Mumbai today issued a non-bailable warrant against diamond merchant Mehul Choksi.

According to reports, three summons were sent&nbsp;to Choksi on his email address, Choksi neither responded to them nor appeared before the agency.

The prosecution said there was "every reason to believe" that Choksi had fled the country and is in hiding, and that steps are being taken to secure his presence by the issuance of red corner notice by the Interpol.

"...To secure his presence and to pursue the same, an open non-bailable warrant is required against Choksi," the court was told.

It is alleged that the LoUs (Letter of Undertaking) and LCs (Letter of Credit) worth close to USD 2 billion were issued to the companies of accused Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi from the Brady Road branch of the PNB in Mumbai through SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages.

The messages were allegedly not entered in the banking software of the PNB to bypass surveillance. Several bank employees have been booked for collusion in the case.

Both Choksi and Nirav Modi have been booked in two cases each related to the bank fraud under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Indian Penal Code.

The duo, along with their families, reportedly left the country in the first week of January this year, days before the alleged fraud came to light. 
 
The agency has arrested 19 people so far in connection with the fraud. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting an independent probe.

The Central government has claimed to have tracked Modi in Hong Kong and sought his arrest under the 'Surrender of Fugitive Offenders Agreement' with Hong Kong.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The fresh investigation, into Rs 5,280 crore loan amount, is separate from the Rs 13,600 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud which is already being probed by the CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation has initiated a probe in connection with Rs 5,280 crore loan given to Mehul Choksi’s Gitanjali Group by a consortium of banks led by the ICICI Bank. The probe comes in addition to the existing FIR filed against Choksi and his Gitanjali Group of companies. The fresh investigation, into Rs 5,280 crore loan amount, is separate from the Rs 13,600 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud which is already being probed by the CBI. CBI filed a case against Choksi-led Gitanjali group of companies for allegedly defrauding the bank of Rs 4,8886.72 crore. Another PNB complaint raised on February 22 increased the fraud amount by another Rs 1,251.56 crore. An additional complaint from PNB against the Gitanjali Group emerged, this time around the sum involved amounted to around Rs 942.18 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiates a probe in connection with Rs 5,280 crore loan given to Mehul Choksi’s Gitanjali Group by a 31-bank consortium led by the ICICI Bank — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2018 × Meanwhile. a special CBI court in Mumbai today issued a non-bailable warrant against diamond merchant Mehul Choksi. According to reports, three summons were sent to Choksi on his email address, Choksi neither responded to them nor appeared before the agency. The prosecution said there was "every reason to believe" that Choksi had fled the country and is in hiding, and that steps are being taken to secure his presence by the issuance of red corner notice by the Interpol. "...To secure his presence and to pursue the same, an open non-bailable warrant is required against Choksi," the court was told. It is alleged that the LoUs (Letter of Undertaking) and LCs (Letter of Credit) worth close to USD 2 billion were issued to the companies of accused Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi from the Brady Road branch of the PNB in Mumbai through SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages. The messages were allegedly not entered in the banking software of the PNB to bypass surveillance. Several bank employees have been booked for collusion in the case. Both Choksi and Nirav Modi have been booked in two cases each related to the bank fraud under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Indian Penal Code. The duo, along with their families, reportedly left the country in the first week of January this year, days before the alleged fraud came to light. The agency has arrested 19 people so far in connection with the fraud. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting an independent probe. The Central government has claimed to have tracked Modi in Hong Kong and sought his arrest under the 'Surrender of Fugitive Offenders Agreement' with Hong Kong. (With inputs from agencies)

PNB scam: Now, Rs 5,280 crore loan to Choksi under CBI scanner

F<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">ugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi </a>has refused to appear in front of the CBI.

He wrote them a letter, blaming health problems for his inability to travel.

Here is the full text of his letter to the investigating agency.&nbsp;

Dear Sir, 
Please refer to the notice in the captioned FIR, sent by you seeking my appearance before your good office on 07.03.2018 at 10.30 AM which has been received by me on my E-mail as I am travelling.

I wish to bring to your kind attention that your good self and your office is well aware that my passport has been suspended as the same was communicated to you vide my previous reply also.

As you have, in your letter dated 28.02.2018, have stated that &lsquo;it is not clear whether you have responded to the Notice of the Passport Authorities to their satisfaction for getting the suspension revoked.&rsquo;, I bring to your notice that on 16.02.2018, I received an email from the Passport Office which stated that my Passport has been suspended due to the reason &lsquo;Security Threat to India&rsquo;. On 28.02.2018, I sent an e-mail to the Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, requesting them to revoke the suspension of my Passport, however, I have not received any reply from the Regional Passport Office.

I want to assure your good office and good self that I am in no manner dictating the terms of my appearance. However, as my Passport stands suspended by the Regional Passport Office under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, it is impossible for me to travel back to India. I further wish to point out that the Regional Passport Office Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a Security Threat to India. This goes to show that my Passport has been suspended in a manner which violates my Constitutional Rights.

In my last communication to your good self, I had expressed my apprehension and concern for my family&rsquo;s and my safety. I further wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me.

I am concerned about my health and well-being. In case I am arrested, then I would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a government hospital. I would be further denied treatment in a private hospital. Even though right to receive proper medical treatment is provided in the Constitution of India, however, in practicality a person accused of an offence who is behind prison is denied a doctor of his own choice.

Furthermore, the various Political Parties in India have been politicizing the issue with a view to glorify their own interests. The entire reports being published in newspapers, various statements made by members of various political parties and the trial by media has therefore left me remediless and therefore a bias has been caused against me.

The different media reports portray as if I have already been convicted by the Hon&rsquo;ble Courts of India. They have caused great prejudice to my fundamental rights enshrined by the Constitution of India. Right to life and right to fair trail are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial. There is presumption of innocence in favour of every person until he is proved guilty. This fundamental principle has been ignored by the media which is evident from their various reports.

The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenseless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process.

Multiple investigating agencies are after my life and the Central Bureau of Investigation has seized my office servers and I have no record of my business dealings. I am further being deprived of my basic right to communicate and the seizure of my servers have effectively denied me my fundamental right to defend myself against the allegations that have been leveled against me. I wish to bring to your notice and attention that I have been rendered defenseless. All the documents that were lying in my offices have been seized by the Investigating Agencies. I have also not been supplied with any copies of those documents.

My properties, both moveable and immovable, have been seized and/or attached by multiple investigating agencies. The investigating agencies have sealed my existing showrooms and have further seized the stock which was lying in the showrooms and have termed the same as &ldquo;proceeds of crime&rdquo;. Despite these seizures, CBI has not placed on judicial record the Seizure Memo as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The Investigating Agencies cannot in any way infringe the fundamental right to silence as enshrined under the Indian Constitution. It is well settled that an investigating agency cannot adopt measures to get information by unfair means and cannot force a person to accede to their requests in giving them the desired answers.

CBI in this matter has seized documents from various places during investigation in the matter. Even though under Section 102 CrPC the police officer has power to seize property which may be alleged or suspected to have been stolen, or which may be found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence, the submission of a seizure report is a mandatory requirement of Section 102 CrPC. It is necessary that the requirement of Section 102 CrPC be complied with by CBI.

There has been a gross abuse of process of law by the Investigating Agencies. The seizure of my movable/immovable properties, bank accounts and shutting down of all my offices in India has caused prejudice against me. It is in the interest of justice that I be granted an opportunity to have a free and fair trial, however, the investigating agencies are acting with a pre-determined mind which is hampering the process of law and interfering with the course of justice.

It has been held by the Hon&rsquo;ble Supreme Court that an Investigating Officer must conduct a fair and proper investigation to bring out the real truth. It is imperative that the Investigating Officer must not act as Prosecution in order to have the accused convicted by the Hon&rsquo;ble Courts.

I am deeply affected by the media and Investigating Agencies as they have also roped in my family members with a view to prejudice me. The media and investigating agencies are aware that they can harass me if my family members can be connected to the cases filed against me.

I have been called a &lsquo;fugitive&rsquo; many a times and I would like to inform your good offices that I had travelled abroad for my business, prior to the registration of the captioned FIR and this is no manner can mean that my travel abroad was a direct result of the registration of the captioned FIR. Further, the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate are contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The unfairness of the investigation is apparent as my family members have been roped in without any justification and the moreover the allegations leveled against Mr. Nirav Modi are different.

The unfair manner in which the investigation is being carried out is evident from the fact that you good self had directed me to approach the Embassy for a temporary travel document, knowing fully well that under no provision of law, a direction can be issued to me to go to an Embassy.

I am suffering from extreme mental agony due to the above aspects raised. The notice has been issued directing me to appear on 07.03.2018 at 10:30 AM without even considering the above mentioned factors.

I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same. The entire procedure could not be completed on all veins due to danger to kidney and therefore I am not allowed to travel for at least a period of four to six months.

I reiterate that I am continuing to work outside India and considering the difficulties my business has faced due to the unfairness of the investigating agencies, it is requested to your good self to communicate with me on mail ... (email deleted) or my Advocate ... (name and number of advocate deleted) in respect of any issues which you consider is needed to be addressed to me concerning the investigation.

 
Regards, 
Mehul Choksi

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Citing health troubles, Choksi has said he cannot appear before the CBI for questioning

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has refused to appear in front of the CBI. He wrote them a letter, blaming health problems for his inability to travel. Here is the full text of his letter to the investigating agency. Dear Sir, Please refer to the notice in the captioned FIR, sent by you seeking my appearance before your good office on 07.03.2018 at 10.30 AM which has been received by me on my E-mail as I am travelling. I wish to bring to your kind attention that your good self and your office is well aware that my passport has been suspended as the same was communicated to you vide my previous reply also. As you have, in your letter dated 28.02.2018, have stated that ‘it is not clear whether you have responded to the Notice of the Passport Authorities to their satisfaction for getting the suspension revoked.’, I bring to your notice that on 16.02.2018, I received an email from the Passport Office which stated that my Passport has been suspended due to the reason ‘Security Threat to India’. On 28.02.2018, I sent an e-mail to the Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, requesting them to revoke the suspension of my Passport, however, I have not received any reply from the Regional Passport Office. I want to assure your good office and good self that I am in no manner dictating the terms of my appearance. However, as my Passport stands suspended by the Regional Passport Office under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, it is impossible for me to travel back to India. I further wish to point out that the Regional Passport Office Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a Security Threat to India. This goes to show that my Passport has been suspended in a manner which violates my Constitutional Rights. In my last communication to your good self, I had expressed my apprehension and concern for my family’s and my safety. I further wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me. I am concerned about my health and well-being. In case I am arrested, then I would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a government hospital. I would be further denied treatment in a private hospital. Even though right to receive proper medical treatment is provided in the Constitution of India, however, in practicality a person accused of an offence who is behind prison is denied a doctor of his own choice. Furthermore, the various Political Parties in India have been politicizing the issue with a view to glorify their own interests. The entire reports being published in newspapers, various statements made by members of various political parties and the trial by media has therefore left me remediless and therefore a bias has been caused against me. The different media reports portray as if I have already been convicted by the Hon’ble Courts of India. They have caused great prejudice to my fundamental rights enshrined by the Constitution of India. Right to life and right to fair trail are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial. There is presumption of innocence in favour of every person until he is proved guilty. This fundamental principle has been ignored by the media which is evident from their various reports. The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenseless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process. Multiple investigating agencies are after my life and the Central Bureau of Investigation has seized my office servers and I have no record of my business dealings. I am further being deprived of my basic right to communicate and the seizure of my servers have effectively denied me my fundamental right to defend myself against the allegations that have been leveled against me. I wish to bring to your notice and attention that I have been rendered defenseless. All the documents that were lying in my offices have been seized by the Investigating Agencies. I have also not been supplied with any copies of those documents. My properties, both moveable and immovable, have been seized and/or attached by multiple investigating agencies. The investigating agencies have sealed my existing showrooms and have further seized the stock which was lying in the showrooms and have termed the same as “proceeds of crime”. Despite these seizures, CBI has not placed on judicial record the Seizure Memo as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Investigating Agencies cannot in any way infringe the fundamental right to silence as enshrined under the Indian Constitution. It is well settled that an investigating agency cannot adopt measures to get information by unfair means and cannot force a person to accede to their requests in giving them the desired answers. CBI in this matter has seized documents from various places during investigation in the matter. Even though under Section 102 CrPC the police officer has power to seize property which may be alleged or suspected to have been stolen, or which may be found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence, the submission of a seizure report is a mandatory requirement of Section 102 CrPC. It is necessary that the requirement of Section 102 CrPC be complied with by CBI. There has been a gross abuse of process of law by the Investigating Agencies. The seizure of my movable/immovable properties, bank accounts and shutting down of all my offices in India has caused prejudice against me. It is in the interest of justice that I be granted an opportunity to have a free and fair trial, however, the investigating agencies are acting with a pre-determined mind which is hampering the process of law and interfering with the course of justice. It has been held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court that an Investigating Officer must conduct a fair and proper investigation to bring out the real truth. It is imperative that the Investigating Officer must not act as Prosecution in order to have the accused convicted by the Hon’ble Courts. I am deeply affected by the media and Investigating Agencies as they have also roped in my family members with a view to prejudice me. The media and investigating agencies are aware that they can harass me if my family members can be connected to the cases filed against me. I have been called a ‘fugitive’ many a times and I would like to inform your good offices that I had travelled abroad for my business, prior to the registration of the captioned FIR and this is no manner can mean that my travel abroad was a direct result of the registration of the captioned FIR. Further, the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate are contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The unfairness of the investigation is apparent as my family members have been roped in without any justification and the moreover the allegations leveled against Mr. Nirav Modi are different. The unfair manner in which the investigation is being carried out is evident from the fact that you good self had directed me to approach the Embassy for a temporary travel document, knowing fully well that under no provision of law, a direction can be issued to me to go to an Embassy. I am suffering from extreme mental agony due to the above aspects raised. The notice has been issued directing me to appear on 07.03.2018 at 10:30 AM without even considering the above mentioned factors. I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same. The entire procedure could not be completed on all veins due to danger to kidney and therefore I am not allowed to travel for at least a period of four to six months. I reiterate that I am continuing to work outside India and considering the difficulties my business has faced due to the unfairness of the investigating agencies, it is requested to your good self to communicate with me on mail ... (email deleted) or my Advocate ... (name and number of advocate deleted) in respect of any issues which you consider is needed to be addressed to me concerning the investigation. Regards, Mehul Choksi

If arrested, will only get treatment in government hospital: Read full text of Mehul Choksi's letter to CBI

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